The Spark: Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit's Remarks Ignite Protests

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), one of India's premier public research institutions renowned for its vibrant intellectual discourse and progressive ethos, has once again found itself at the center of controversy. The latest unrest stems from comments made by Vice-Chancellor (VC) Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, the first woman to hold the position since the university's establishment in 1969. In a recent podcast interview, Pandit critiqued the University Grants Commission (UGC)'s newly proposed Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026. These regulations aim to replace the 2012 framework with more comprehensive anti-discrimination measures, including mandatory equity committees in every higher education institution (HEI), expanded protections against caste, gender, disability, and other biases, stricter penalties for violations, and proactive inclusion policies for marginalized groups such as Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and economically weaker sections.

Pandit described the rules as "irrational" and an example of "wokeism," stating, "You cannot progress by being permanently a victim or playing the victim card. This was done for the Blacks; the same thing was brought for Dalits here." The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU), a left-leaning body dominated by groups like the Students' Federation of India (SFI) and All India Students' Association (AISA), condemned these as "blatantly casteist," arguing they dismissed historical injustices faced by Dalits and perpetuated upper-caste privilege. Pandit, who hails from an OBC background, clarified that her words were taken out of context, emphasizing she supports affirmative action but opposes perpetual victimhood narratives.

This incident is part of broader tensions over UGC policies, which were stayed by the Supreme Court in January 2026 amid concerns they were "too sweeping." JNU, with over 8,000 students and 500 faculty across 10 schools focusing on humanities, social sciences, and sciences, has long been a battleground for ideological debates on equity and reservation.

Building Tensions: From Strikes to the Equality March

Protests began intensifying about two weeks prior to the clash, with JNUSU launching strikes and sit-ins at key campus locations like the School of Languages. Demands included Pandit's resignation, revocation of rustication orders against four JNUSU office-bearers (imposed for prior violations of the chief proctor's manual), restoration of hostel access, and withdrawal of restrictive campus policies. On February 22, 2026, JNUSU organized the 'Equality March' (Samta Juloos), initially aimed at surrounding the VC's residence but rerouted toward the ongoing protest site near the School of Social Sciences and School of Languages.

Hundreds participated, chanting against casteism and administrative overreach. Classes were disrupted as protesters reportedly locked academic buildings and urged non-participants to join, heightening friction with students prioritizing studies, including members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Timeline of the Clash: A Night of Chaos Unfolds

The violence erupted late on February 22 into early February 23, around 1:30 a.m., near the Central Library and academic blocks:

• Pre-violence buildup: March participants close reading rooms, pressure studying students to join.
• Initial confrontation: ABVP members approach to negotiate; scuffle ensues with stone-pelting from both sides.
• Escalation: Sticks, bricks, and wood used; chases across campus (500-600 meters); fire extinguisher discharged in a washroom where students sheltered.
• Peak chaos: Protesters lock themselves in library/bathrooms; police called around 3-4 a.m.
• Aftermath: Clash lasts nearly three hours; campus tense overnight.

Several students sustained injuries—bruises, cuts from stones/sticks—though exact numbers unverified, with both sides claiming victims.

JNUSU's Perspective: Allegations of Goons and Administrative Complicity

JNUSU President Aditi Mishra accused ABVP of deploying "unknown goons—not all students—who pelted stones, abused, and attacked with sticks." She further alleged VC Pandit orchestrated the assault by "sending her sanghis [right-wing supporters] and goons," linking it to suppression of dissent. JNUSU named specific ABVP members as mob leaders and vowed a human chain on February 24 against such violence, emphasizing UGC guidelines protect protesters opposing discriminatory policies.

In the context of Indian higher education, where student unions advocate for reservation quotas (currently 50%+ for SC/ST/OBC/EWS), JNUSU frames this as resistance to equity erosion. For those navigating university careers, resources like higher ed career advice can help amid such disruptions.

ABVP's Counter-Narrative: Pre-Planned Left Aggression

ABVP, gaining ground in JNU elections recently, claimed "masked goons from left-wing organizations—up to 400 in identical masks—unleashed premeditated violence." State Joint Secretary Vikas Patel described left cadres forcing closures, assaulting non-protesters, and targeting ABVP workers. They highlighted inadequate security and called for probes into outsider involvement, drawing parallels to the 2020 attack blamed on ABVP.

Responses from Administration, Police, and Faculty

JNU administration issued a stern warning, condemning building lockouts, threats, and disruptions; promised disciplinary action under statutes and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). Delhi Police registered an FIR on February 24 against JNUSU members on the chief security officer's complaint—sections 115, 126, 191, 189, 121, 132, 61 BNS, plus public property damage—citing rioting and conspiracy.

The JNU Teachers' Association (JNUTA) criticized Pandit's leadership as echoing past VCs leading to 2020 violence, reiterated her removal demand, but urged restraint. No official JNU statement on clashes found on JNU website.

Historical Context: A Legacy of Ideological Clashes at JNU

JNU's student politics, dominated by left for decades but challenged by ABVP since 2010s, has seen recurrent violence:

• 2020: Masked mob attacks ~30 injured (blamed on ABVP).
• 2025: Clashes over elections, murals.
• 2023: Rally for Dalit student suicide.
• 2019: Fee hike protests.
• 2016: Sedition row post-Kanhaiya Kumar arrest.

This pattern reflects polarized student unions in Indian universities, where 1,300+ central/state institutions grapple with similar issues.

Immediate Impacts: Disruption to Academics and Campus Safety

Classes proceeded amid boycotts; library sieges affected exams prep. Safety fears led overnight shelters; women students highlighted vulnerabilities. Enrollment dips (PhD down) signal crisis. For faculty jobs, explore faculty positions at stable institutions.

Broader Implications for Indian Higher Education

This clash underscores challenges: ideological polarization stifling dialogue, equity vs merit debates, outsider intrusions. UGC rules seek committees with SC/ST/OBC reps for grievances, but implementation lags. Supreme Court stay highlights balancing act. In 1,558 universities/colleges, similar politics affect 43 million students; violence erodes JNU's global rank (QS ~200).UGC site details regulations.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Calls for Solutions

• JNUSU: Resignation, protect protests.
• ABVP: Expel violent leftists, enhance security.
• JNUTA: VC exit, dialogue forums.
• Solutions: Lyngdoh reforms for elections, neutral proctors, counseling, police outposts.

Constructive paths: mediated talks, equity training. Amid unrest, rate my professor for informed choices; higher ed jobs offer stability.

Photo by Alex Robinson on Unsplash

Future Outlook: Restoring JNU's Legacy of Debate

With human chain planned, probe pending, resolution hinges on accountability. JNU's resilience—producing leaders in policy, academia—demands de-escalation. Explore university jobs in India or academic CV tips for thriving careers. Internal links to India higher ed.

Stakeholders must prioritize safety, equity, academics for JNU's enduring impact.