Overview
- Students at Delhi University’s Lady Shri Ram College, who began a sit-in Wednesday after a BJP account posted the principal’s video April 13, said talks continue and key demands are still pending.
- Protesters say they are not opposing the Women’s Reservation Bill and instead object to the principal appearing on a political party’s page while the college enforces an “apolitical” campus.
- Principal Kanika Ahuja says the clip was recorded for the Women and Child Development Ministry or in a personal capacity and she says she stands by her remarks.
- Students allege surveillance and pressure during the protest, citing staff recording them, new CCTV cameras, locked gates, and calls to parents, as the college cites a March 23 Delhi University directive that restricts assemblies without approval.
- The student charter seeks removal of the BJP post, disclosure of any party contacts, deletion of identifying footage, non-partisan engagement on campus, and assurances against penalties, with some groups weighing an April 20 annual day boycott if nothing changes.