JNU calls for police action after students raise slogans against Modi, Shah

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has asked the Delhi Police to register an FIR against nine students after they allegedly raised controversial slogans such as “Modi‑Shah ki kabr khudegi, JNU ki dharti par” during a campus event. The gathering was held on January 5 near the Sabarmati Hostel to mark the sixth anniversary of the 2020 JNU campus violence .

The slogans reportedly directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah emerged shortly after the Supreme Court denied bail to former JNU students Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam , accused in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case . Videos of the incident circulated widely on social media, sparking controversy.

JNU’s administration described the slogans as “ highly objectionable, provocative and inflammatory ,” saying they violated the JNU Code of Conduct and could disrupt campus harmony and public order. The university’s chief security officer wrote to the local police seeking an FIR and said an internal inquiry will be conducted to identify other participants. Officials have also warned that disciplinary action could follow if students are found guilty of rule violations.

Aditi Mishra , president of the JNU Students’ Union (JNUSU) and one of those named in the complaint, defended the chants as ideological statements , not personal attacks or threats. She said annual protests are held on January 5 to remember the campus violence of 2020.

The incident has triggered sharp political responses. Some leaders criticized the students, calling the slogans disrespectful, while opposition figures questioned the focus on policing campus speech. Delhi Police are now in possession of the university’s request for an FIR, and further investigation is expected. The case adds to ongoing debates about student activism, free speech, and campus discipline in India.

As of now, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not directly commented on the JNU slogan incident . Most reactions have come from BJP leaders and ministers , who strongly condemned the slogans, calling them offensive, unacceptable, and linked to anti‑national tendencies on campus. State and central ministers emphasised that such language cannot be tolerated and stressed respect for constitutional institutions and law and order. While the party has taken a firm stance, no official statement from PM Modi or his office specifically addressing the slogans has been reported yet.