CPI leader D Raja today expressed concern in Rajya Sabha over deteriorating condition of JNUSU President Kanhaiya Kumar, who is on an indefinite hunger strike against disciplinary action, and urged HRD Minister Smriti Irani to "advise" the university against such action.
"There is a problem in JNU. University Authorities have taken some disciplinary action against some students. Students are on an indefinite fast asking for a reconsideration of the decision of the University. JNUSU chief is on hunger strike. He has been taken to hospital. The minister can advise the University not to got for such action," Raja said.
The member, while speakding during a discussion on the working of the HRD Ministry, added, "I urge you to advise the authorities to reconsider their actions so that students can get out of their turmoil."
In a similar vein, he said the minister should take up in a meeting of the Union Cabinet the demand of Hyderabad University students for passing a Rohith Act to end discrimination.
He said their demand for replacing the Vice Chancellor of the Hyderabad University should also be considered.
Raja also wanted the minister's intervention in ending the controversy in Allabhad University.
Anand Bhaskar Rapolu (Congress) said since the minister "emotionally expressess her motherly feeling", she should show generosity to get all the punishments announced against students in different universities.
Kanhaiya Kumar was today taken to the JNU health centre in a semi-conscious state. However, his health deteriorated later and he was referred to emergency ward of AIIMS.
PL Punya (Congress) alleged that an effort is being made to "impose" an ideology ever since the NDA government has come to power as he talked about Rohith Vemula's suicide, banning of Ambedkar-Periyar circle in IIT Madras and the minority status controversy over AMU.
