JNU: Certain political leaders poisoning varsities, says Naidu

In a veiled attack on the political leadership of BJP's adversaries, Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu today sought to know whether the leaders visiting the JNU are providing the "moral support" to backers of the Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru who was hanged and said certain leaders are "poisoning" the varsities.
He also criticised the organisers of the meeting to commemorate the death anniversary of Guru on JNU campus, which set off a chain reaction of protests and counter-protests.
"Whether the leaders who are visiting JNU are giving moral support to Afzal Guru's supporters and (for) dividing India. They are poisoning the varsities," the Urban Development Minister said after laying the foundation stone of Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering and Research (SAMEER) here.

The senior BJP leader also termed as "anti-nationals" the organisers of the controversial meeting.
"What a great shame and a stupid idea to organise such a meeting. Afzal Guru was the co-conspirator of the attack on Parliament which was the attack on our democracy. Our brave security forces sacrificed their lives to protect 740 people's representatives.
"We are not saying that the entire university (JNU) is like that, but there are such elements that are to be isolated, separated and toughly acted on," Naidu said.

He said certain political forces are dividing India on the lines of caste, creed, religion, region and colour.

"Some anti-social elements are trying to destabilise the unity, integrity, harmony and tranquillity of the country in the name of caste, creed, religion, language and district," the minister said.
He said tough action should be taken against those "elements" who raise "anti-national" slogans.
On allegation of "rising intolerance" in the country, Naidu said, "They (raising the allegation) should take note that India is known for its utmost tolerance in entire world".
Referring to the JNU row, he said no country compromises on its sovereignty, integrity and unity.