Student groups clashed at Delhi University’s Arts Faculty on Thursday. The All India Students’ Association (AISA) accused the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) of disrupting a social justice event. ABVP denied the allegations, calling them false.
Event Disruption Allegations
AISA stated that ABVP members interrupted a People’s Literature Festival event. The group claims ABVP members threw water and chanted slogans. These actions occurred while historian S. Irfan Habib was speaking. AISA described the incident as an attack on free speech. They stated ABVP aims to silence dissent on campus.
ABVP Response
The ABVP rejected AISA’s claims. They called the allegations baseless. The ABVP suggested left-wing groups are spreading false narratives. They believe rival groups are reacting to ABVP’s growing student popularity.
AISA Claims Student Resistance
AISA reported that students at the event resisted the alleged disruption. They claim this forced the individuals to leave. AISA said this shows intolerance towards debate and marginalized voices. The group pledged to continue opposing what they call anti-democratic campus politics.
ABVP Cites Festival Success
ABVP Delhi state secretary Sarthak Sharma highlighted ABVP’s recent cultural festival. The three-day festival, Madari, ran from February 9 to 11. It featured street theatre and students from various universities. Sharma suggested the festival’s success caused frustration among rival student bodies. He believes this led to false accusations for media attention.
University Response
University officials stated they have received no complaints. They will investigate the alleged incident. No specific date was given for the investigation’s commencement.