New Delhi: A violent clash erupted on Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) campus on the evening of October 2 when Left-affiliated student groups allegedly attacked a Durga Puja procession. According to eyewitnesses and student representatives, members of the All India Students’ Association (AISA), Students’ Federation of India (SFI), and Democratic Students’ Federation (DSF) hurled stones, brandished footwear, and shouted provocative slogans at participants of the religious procession near Sabarmati T-Point around 7 PM.
Several students, including women participants, were injured in the incident, which has sparked outrage across the campus and renewed debate over JNU’s cultural climate.
जेएनयू में वामपंथी गुंडों ने फिर से घृणा तथा वैर का सहारा लेते हुए आज तकरीबन शाम 7 बजे शांतिपूर्ण ढंग से दुर्गा प्रतिमा विसर्जन को जा रहे विद्यार्थियों के साथ हिंसा की तथा कार्यक्रम में बाधा डाली, भारतीय त्योहारों के लिए वामपंथियों में इतनी घृणा क्यों है? pic.twitter.com/bQlK0OWiu6
— ABVP JNU (@abvpjnu) October 2, 2025
For the last ten days, JNU had hosted Durga Puja celebrations marked by prayer, cultural performances, and community gatherings. Organisers claim more than 5,000 students took part in the festivities, and on Navami, thousands shared prasad, reinforcing the campus tradition of diversity and inclusivity.
“This was not just a religious festival but a celebration of cultural unity in JNU,” said one volunteer involved in organising the Puja. “Students from different regions came together, highlighting the spirit of togetherness.”
The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), which had taken part in organizing the celebrations, condemned the attack in the strongest terms.
“JNU’s environment has always been enriched by diversity and festivity. Thousands of students participated in the Durga Puja with devotion,” said ABVP JNU president Mayank Panchal. “But Left student groups maligned this sacred event with violence and hatred. This is not just an attack on a procession, but on JNU’s tradition of cultural celebration and students’ faith. ABVP will not tolerate such aggression.”
वामपंथी गुंडों द्वारा जेएनयू में मां दुर्गा की प्रतिमा विसर्जन के दौरान माता को चप्पल दिखाना, अभद्र टिप्पणी एवं छात्राओं के साथ मारपीट करना अत्यन्त शर्मनाक एवं निंदनीय है।
भारतीय त्योहारों और परंपराओं से नफ़रत ही वामपंथ की असली पहचान है।#JNU #ABVP #Hindu #LeftAttacksOnMaaDurga pic.twitter.com/fMiznxaI4P— Kumar Aashutosh (@AashutoshJNU) October 2, 2025
ABVP JNU secretary Praveen Piyush called the incident a reflection of “the true face of Left ideology.” He stated:
“Throwing stones during a sacred immersion and even attacking women students is both shameful and condemnable. This is a calculated conspiracy to destabilize the campus. We demand strict action against those responsible so that no group dares to trample upon students’ cultural rights again.”
Vaibhav Meena, joint secretary of JNUSU, echoed the sentiment, accusing Left groups of harboring animosity toward Indian traditions.
“The violence shows their deep hatred for Indian culture and Hindu festivals. It was not just an attack on students but on the cultural harmony of JNU itself. Ironically, those who call themselves ‘progressive’ are the ones repeatedly insulting our festivals and values,” he said, urging the administration to act swiftly.
This is not the first time cultural and religious events have become flashpoints on the JNU campus. In previous years, controversies erupted over slogans glorifying Mahishasur during Navratri, which many students viewed as a direct affront to Hindu sentiments.
Following the incident, several student bodies demanded immediate intervention by the JNU administration. They urged authorities to identify and punish those involved in the violence, arguing that unchecked aggression would only embolden further disruptions.
“Cultural rights and religious freedoms of students cannot be compromised,” said one ABVP leader. “The administration must ensure that JNU remains a safe space for all traditions.”
