Support pours in for protesting students in Patiala

Students of the Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law (RGNUL), Patiala, have been protesting since Sunday evening, demanding the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Professor Jai Shankar Singh. The unrest began after the VC allegedly entered the girls’ hostel without prior notice, leading to widespread outrage among the students. The students have called for his removal and a thorough investigation into the incident.

For over three days, the students have been staging a dharna on the campus, refusing to relent until their demands are met. They have also claimed that some of them and their families have received calls from influential individuals pressuring them to end the protest. They further allege that certain faculty members are siding with university authorities in an attempt to silence the dissent.

In response to the growing unrest, the Chairperson of the Punjab Women’s Commission, Raj Lali Gill, visited the campus alongside Patiala SSP Nanak Singh. She assured the students that a proper investigation would be conducted, with a committee, including student representatives, faculty members and university officials, to ensure a fair inquiry.

Support for the protesting students has poured in from political leaders across party lines. Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi called the VC’s actions “extremely shameful”, while Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains requested a report on the protest, assuring students that justice would be delivered. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor criticised the VC’s apparent disregard for students’ constitutional rights and called for his resignation until an inquiry is completed.

Leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), including former Union Minister Preneet Kaur and BJP Punjab Mahila Morcha President Jai Inder Kaur, also expressed strong support for the students.

Students’ Union India (SUI) leaders Karan Singh Parmar and Abhay Singh Sandhu have submitted a memorandum to the Governor of Punjab, seeking immediate intervention. Patiala MP Dr Dharamvira Gandhi, currently abroad, has also called for a commission of inquiry into the matter.