Political Clashes Erupt Over Anti-Government Chants

New Delhi, January 6, 2026: A significant political storm has been triggered at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) following a late-night protest held on January 5, 2026. The demonstration was organized by various student groups in response to the Supreme Court’s decision to deny bail to activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case. Purported videos from the event began circulating on social media, allegedly showing students chanting provocative slogans directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, leading to immediate national attention.

BJP Condemns “Separatist” Mindsets on Campus

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was swift in its condemnation of the event, with several leaders labeling the protesters as “separatists” and “enemies of the nation.” It was stated by BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla that the controversial slogans—including chants regarding the “digging of graves”—crossed all democratic limits. The ruling party has alleged that the campus has once again become a hub for the “Tukde-Tukde gang,” accusing the students of challenging the country’s judicial integrity by protesting against a Supreme Court verdict.

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Congress Defends the Right to Express Resentment

In a contrasting stance, the Congress party has defended the students’ right to protest, viewing the slogans as an expression of deep-seated anger. Congress leader Udit Raj remarked that such chants should not be taken literally, but rather as a way for the youth to vent their “resentment” against perceived injustices. It was argued by him that the continued incarceration of the activists has caused widespread outrage, and the slogans were merely a manifestation of that emotional state within the democratic framework of the university.

Student Union Clarifies the Nature of the Event

The JNU Students’ Union (JNUSU) has provided a different perspective on the night’s events, clarifying that the gathering was primarily a remembrance call for the victims of the January 5, 2020, campus violence. JNUSU President Aditi Mishra stated that the slogans raised were “ideological” in nature and were not intended as personal attacks against any individual. It was emphasized by the union that the university has a long-standing tradition of political expression and that the protest was a peaceful gathering to mark a somber anniversary in the campus’s history.

Legal Vigilance and Security Concerns

As of January 6, 2026, the Delhi Police have confirmed that they are monitoring the situation, though no formal complaint regarding the slogans has been lodged as of yet. Meanwhile, rival student groups like the ABVP have demanded strict administrative action, claiming that slogans like “ABVP-RSS ki kabar khudegi” were also raised. The incident has once again turned JNU into a ideological battlefield, highlighting the deep polarization between the government and sections of the student community over issues of free speech and judicial outcomes.