JNU students demand V-C resignation over remarks on Dalits

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit is facing criticism after remarks she made in a recent podcast, prompting the JNU Students Union (JNUSU) to demand her resignation.

During the interaction, released earlier this week, Pandit questioned aspects of the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions Regulations, 2026, designed to address discrimination, including caste-based exclusion.

She said communities cannot advance by “remaining permanent victims” or by “playing the victim card,” comparing affirmative action measures abroad to provisions for Dalits in India.

The comments drew sharp reactions from the JNUSU, which called the statements insensitive and dismissive of historical injustices faced by Dalits and other marginalized groups. The union alleged the remarks downplayed systemic caste discrimination and undermined policies meant to ensure inclusion on campuses.

Student representatives said such statements from the head of a central university could create an atmosphere of alienation for vulnerable communities, intensifying existing tensions between the JNU administration and sections of the student body over policy and governance.

Responding to the backlash, Pandit said her views were taken out of context, stressing that her critique targeted certain ideological narratives and not any specific community. She also noted her Bahujan/OBC background and said she had no intention of undermining the experiences of marginalized groups.

The JNUSU has announced plans for protests and reiterated its call for the Vice-Chancellor to step down.