Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union president Kanhaiya Kumar will address rallies in Mumbai and Pune on April 23 and 24 respectively. Student wings of various communist parties will organise these events, where Mr Kumar is expected to speak on the issues of students, farmers and labourers. There are reports that Congress and NCP student wings are also keen to support the rallies. “Two public rallies featuring Kanhaiya Kumar have been planned for Mumbai on April 23 and Pune on April 24. The venues are yet to be finalised. Student organisations of leftist parties will be leading the rallies and raising their issues via Kanhaiya, who is very popular among youngsters,” communist leader Prakash Reddy said. This would be Mr Kumar’s first Mumbai visit after he was charged with sedition.
The Students Federation of India, All India Students Federation, Democratic Youth Federation of India and a few other student wings will be leading the rallies at both places. The student wings of NCP and Congress’ NSUI have extended their support to the Pune rally. However, Mr Reddy said it’s up to them to support and join hands to fight ‘fascist forces’. “The left students wing will be the main organisers of the rallies,” he said.
“After the suicide of Rohith Vemula, a lot of issues have come up pertaining to the university students across the country. The BJP and RSS are forcing unconstitutional things upon society and moving towards privatisation of education. The problems before farmers and labourers have no place in the BJP-led government. Kanhaiya is expected to speak on these issues, as his oratory is appealing to all classes,” Mr Reddy said.
Mr Kumar grabbed national attention after he was arrested under charges of sedition and sent to jail. He was even beaten up in court premises in Delhi when the police was talking him to produce him in court. The Centre attracted lot of flak from all sections over the arrest of Mr Kumar and his colleagues. He was released on bail later.
