Kolkata: A day after Jadavpur University granted permission to a group of students, affiliated to ABVP, to observe Ram Navami on campus, the authorities on Tuesday withdrew the permission on Tuesday amid pressure from students.
Several students staged a protest outside Aurobindo Bhavan till late on Tuesday, demanding the permission be revoked as “it would affect the harmony on the campus and create rifts”.They claimed Ram Navami was not merely a festival but was associated with divisive politics.
Following a meeting at night, JU officials said the “no objection” granted to Ram Navami observation on the campus near Gate 3 from 11 am to 2 pm was “being withdrawn” on three grounds. “The authority has received written complaints from a few students about fraudulent use of their names that were being used by students seeking permission. Groups of students also received communal threats. This will hamper peace and harmony on the campus. Thirdly, strict compliance of model code of conduct is necessary. On these grounds, the permission has been withdrawn,” said an official.
A member of ABVP and a UGI student, Aditya Palley, said, “We will hold the puja of Ram and distribute prasad, as scheduled. Whether it will be inside the campus or outside the gate will depend on the situation on Wednesday.”