HAU row escalates: OBC leaders back VC, JJP demands dismissal

The ongoing controversy at Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University (HAU), Hisar, intensified on Wednesday as rival delegations submitted conflicting memorandums to the Haryana Governor — one backing Vice-Chancellor Dr BR Kamboj and the other seeking his immediate dismissal.

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While a group of OBC community leaders threw their weight behind Dr Kamboj, accusing political parties of caste-based targeting, the Jannayak Janata Party (JJP), led by Digvijay Chautala, demanded the Vice- Chancellor’s ouster over alleged misuse of authority and the mishandling of recent student protests.

The OBC delegation, comprising senior community leaders, submitted a memorandum through the Sirsa Deputy Commissioner, alleging that some Opposition parties were trying to turn student protests into caste-based political movements. They defended Dr Kamboj and HAU Registrar Prof Pawan Kumar, calling them "respected academic leaders" who had “worked tirelessly for the interests of students and farmers.”

“These protests are being manipulated by political interests that do not want to see members of backward classes in academic leadership roles,” the memorandum stated.

It further highlighted Dr Kamboj’s achievements, including over 300 merit-based recruitments and a rise in the university’s global standing during his tenure.

Prominent signatories included BJP leader and former MLA Ramchand Kamboj, BJP district president Shishpal Kamboj, Madanlal Nadha (Haryana Kamboj Sabha), Desraj Kamboj, Labh Chand Kamboj, Kashmir Chand (Kamboj Dharamshala), Rajendra Nadha (Arhtiya Association Sirsa), Dr KC Kamboj, among others from Sirsa, Dabwali and Kalanwali blocks.

On the other hand, JJP state secretary general Digvijay Chautala, along with injured students, submitted a counter memorandum to the Governor on Tuesday, demanding the immediate dismissal of Dr Kamboj.

“The university administration used force to silence peaceful protesters. The police action was an assault on democratic rights,” Chautala said, demanding strict punishment beyond FIRs.

INLD leaders, including Abhay Chautala and Hisar MLA Arjun Chautala, also backed the students. Arjun visited the campus earlier this week to meet protesters and voice support.

The controversy has also drawn national attention after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge expressed solidarity with the protesting students.