NEW DELHi
A poster reading “Veg only, everyone please co-operate” pasted inside Jawaharlal Nehru University’s Mahi-Mandavi hostel has triggered sharp political tensions within the students’ union.
The three Left Unity post-holders of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) accused the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) of pushing “divisive food segregation” and attempting to “saffronise” the university’s culture.
In a joint statement, JNUSU President Nitish, Vice-President Manisha, and General Secretary Munteha said: “In another disturbing ploy to divide the amity among the student community, the President of Mahi-Mandavi Hostel (from ABVP) has segregated the seating arrangements for vegetarian and non-vegetarian boarders.”
The student leaders said they had approached the senior hostel warden, who claimed he was unaware of any such measure. “The senior warden categorically stated that no such divisive measure had been brought to his knowledge prior to our report. He assured that an inquiry committee will be constituted to fix responsibility for this violation of hostel norms,” they added.
ABVP’s JNUSU joint secretary Vaibhav Meena defended the poster, saying it was put up by students observing Sawan, a month considered sacred by many Hindus. “Vegetarian students have never objected despite being made uncomfortable. But now that the Left is asserting its stance, we will too,” he said.
The Left Unity leaders countered: “Let us be very clear, JNU has no history of food policing. This attempt to divide students is not an isolated event but part of a larger, concerted effort by ABVP to saffronise the campus and disrupt its inclusive culture.”
University officials did not respond to queries from The Hindu.
Published – July 31, 2025 12:45 am IST
