Scores of NSUI activists on Friday marched towards the HRD Ministry, continuing their protests over the suicide of a Dalit PhD scholar Rohith Vemula. The students demanded the resignation of Union Ministers Smriti Irani and Bandaru Dattatreya and also the resignation of Hyderabad University Vice Chancellor.
They stated that “revoking” the suspension of the four expelled students was never part of their demands. The workers of the Congress party’s youth wing were stopped at Raisina Road in New Delhi by the police when the protestors were on their way to the HRD minister’s residence.
Roji John, NSUI PresidentRevocation of suspension is not the demand of students. We want the immediate resignation of Smriti Irani, Dattatreya and Vice Chancellor Appa Rao.
Accusing the Union government and the BJP leadership of “politicising” the matter, John said the protests would be “intensified” across the country. Congress leader Randeep Surjewala joined the protesters and demanded an “apology” from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“This protest is for justice, which can be attained with the resignation of Union Ministers Smriti Irani, Bandaru Dattatreya and the VC,” he said.
According to police, the protesters were detained as they tried to push the barricades and that the situation could have gone out of hands subsequently.
“Around 60 persons have been detained, under provisions of law, following the protest today,” DCP (New Delhi) Jatin Narwal said.
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