The party said the Congress vice president's comments amounted to supporting those students who had allegedly raised slogans in favour of Pakistan and terrorists.
"What kind of ideology is Rahul Gandhi supporting? The ideology that says 'Pakistan zindabad' and 'Bharat ki barbadi tak, jang rahegi jang rahegi' (Till the downfall of India, we will fight) is anti-national. His remakrs are an insult to the nation, our Constitution and legal system. It shows his mental bankruptcy.
He said Gandhi kept quiet when anti-India slogans were raised in JNU and when police took action then he rushed to JNU to use students as a tool for political benefits.
Taking a dig at Gandhi, BJP spokesperson Nalin Kohli said
he had given a new definition to nationalism by attacking those who had suppressed anti-national voices.
Sharma said Rahul Gandhi should fight the political battle with BJP on development agenda and not use educational institutions for political purposes.
"We condemn his actions. JNU has produced many intellectuals and bureaucrats. A handful of people there have given anti-India speeches. Law is taking its course. BJP will urge Congress to not insult our martyrs for political reason," he said.
Referring to the recent deaths of army personnel, he said it was unfortunate that while soldiers sacrificed their lives on the border, anti-India slogans were raised and terrorists hailed as martyrs in an institution like JNU.
"The way foul language was used against the Prime Minister...A group of students is trying to damage the dignity of an institution like JNU in the name of cultural agitation," he said.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
