New Delhi, Feb 23 (NationPress) In response to the violent incident involving ABVP students at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Union Minister Giriraj Singh criticized the situation, asserting that JNU has transformed into a center for urban Naxalism and that it has been cultivated by previous administrations, notably those of the Indian National Congress and Left parties, for many years.

During an interview with IANS, Singh stated, "I would argue that Jawaharlal Nehru University has indeed become a hub for urban Naxalism. For years, various governments, including those led by the Indian National Congress and Left parties, have fostered this environment. The activities occurring there resemble those linked to urban Naxals."

JD(U) spokesperson Neeraj Kumar expressed concern, saying, "Jawaharlal Nehru University is a part of our heritage, and it's unfortunate when political disputes infiltrate this legacy. We should cultivate a climate of mutual respect. While ideological differences may exist, the clashes fall under the responsibility of the JNU administration, which must maintain order."

JD(U) national spokesperson Rajeev Ranjan Prasad added, "This is now a law and order issue, and the Delhi Police is taking all appropriate actions."

Violence erupted on JNU's campus late Monday night when a protest rally escalated into chaos, with students from opposing ideological factions accusing one another of initiating the conflict.

The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) organized an 'Equality March', demanding the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit over her alleged "casteist" comments made during a podcast on February 16.

They also raised objections to her remarks concerning UGC regulations, Dalit issues, and affirmative action, in addition to seeking the reversal of a rustication order against four student office-bearers accused of vandalizing university property during a previous protest.

Protesters claimed that the administration did not engage with their march, instead permitting members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), affiliated with the BJP, to confront them.

Nevertheless, the ABVP dismissed these allegations, accusing Left-aligned organizations of instigating violence and disseminating false information regarding the incident.

Meanwhile, Left-affiliated groups, such as the All India Students' Association (AISA), alleged that ABVP members hurled stones at the JNUSU encampment and assaulted "unarmed students," resulting in multiple injuries.