AAP condemns PM Modi for encouraging ABVP/BJP goons in Delhi University

February 27, 2017

• Demands immediate action against those issuing rape threats to Gurmehar over her opposition to ABVP violence 
• Questions PM Modi for encouraging and protecting goons wrecking havoc in Delhi University

Aam Aadmi Party condemns the shameful acts of violence perpetrated by Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) goons on students of Delhi University and journalists. Activists of the student body of the RSS ran riot against a peaceful gathering in Ramjas College, presumably to stop ‘anti-national’ slogans and events, assaulting female students and journalists. Delhi Police controlled by the Union Home Ministry watched on and joined the violence alongside ABVP, instead of taking action against the thugs.

During a press conference being addressed at the party national headquarters, senior leader Atishi Marlena said, “The ABVP’s goondagardi across Delhi University has made it clear that those who believe in a certain ideology have now been given absolute authority from the Prime Minister to assault and silence any contrasting voices. The manner in which the young DU student Gurmehar has been threatened with rape is absolutely shocking and horrific. Threatening women who oppose you with sexual violence is not how our democracy functions. Why is the Delhi Police not taking any action against these attempts to threaten Gurmehar? Is this not a cognisable offense?”

AAP MLA Sarita Singh added, “I graduated from Delhi University five years ago. When we were at the University, the student community had ideological differences, but were always united on issues affecting women. The way ABVP assaulted young female students and now Gurmehar has been threatened with rape shows the deeply anti-women politics of the BJP. In two years, they have vitiated the atmosphere completely.”

The AAP demands immediate police action against those who assaulted young students and journalists and those who are issuing threats of sexual violence on Twitter. Many Twitter users followed by the Prime Minister have regularly indulged in such acts. The Delhi Police must take cognisance of this crime and prevent ABVP from perpetuating the reign of terror in DU.