Protests Erupt at JNU Against Modi and Shah Following Court Ruling
Students at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) protested against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah following the Supreme Court's rejection of bail for Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, linked to the 2020 Delhi riots. The protest, marked by provocative slogans, has sparked significant reactions from political leaders and raised questions about the university's history of similar controversies. As the situation unfolds, the involvement of student leaders and the response from the Delhi police adds to the complexity of this ongoing issue. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
| Jan 6, 2026, 10:58 IST
Protests at Jawaharlal Nehru University
On Monday, students at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Delhi voiced their dissent against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah by chanting provocative slogans. This demonstration coincided with the Supreme Court's rejection of bail applications for activist Umar Khalid and former student Sharjeel Imam in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots. The Delhi police acknowledged awareness of the incident but reported that no formal complaint has been filed yet. Authorities mentioned they are gathering information related to the case, and an investigation is currently underway.
Viral Video of the Protest
A video capturing the protest has gone viral on social media, lasting approximately 35 seconds, where students can be heard chanting against the Prime Minister and Home Minister.
The slogans were raised during an event named "Godzilla Dhaba," held near the Sabarmati Hostel on the JNU campus on Monday night. Reports indicate that the gathering was organized to commemorate the attacks on JNU students in 2020 and to protest the denial of bail for Sharjeel Imam and Umar Khalid.
Presence of Student Leaders
Sources claim that JNU Students' Union Joint Secretary Danish Ali and Secretary Sunil were present during the chanting. It is reported that several students affiliated with left-wing organizations also participated in the event.
Condemnation from ABVP
Gautam, a JNU student, condemned the slogans, labeling them as "anti-national" and called for strict action against those responsible. ABVP Vice President Manish also criticized the incident, stating, "Chanting slogans against the Prime Minister after the rejection of bail applications for Sharjeel Imam and Umar Khalid is unacceptable. They are demanding the release of individuals involved in the Delhi riots. The JNUSU organized this event near the Sabarmati Hostel. We will reach out to the JNU administration regarding this matter."
Reactions from BJP Leaders
In response to the protests, BJP leader and minister Kapil Mishra commented on 'X', stating, "As the snakes are being crushed, their offspring are writhing in pain. Those chanting offensive slogans in support of Naxalites, terrorists, and rioters at JNU are frustrated because Naxalites are being eliminated, terrorists are being dealt with, and the courts have identified the rioters." Manjinder Singh Sirsa added, "This is entirely wrong. They engage in treasonous acts and then chant slogans in support of them. These individuals are collaborating with Congress and AAP. Look at Sanjay Singh's statement; on one hand, he claims to respect the Supreme Court's decision, and on the other hand, he says it was wrong. This is the NDA government. Those who commit treason will be punished, and those who chant such slogans should also face consequences."
History of Controversial Slogans at JNU
JNU has a history of similar controversies, with several incidents of offensive slogans surfacing in recent years. Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam remain incarcerated, and the university has often been at the center of political and ideological disputes. The recent chanting incident outside the Sabarmati Hostel has once again brought Jawaharlal Nehru University into the national spotlight.
This controversy arose shortly after a Supreme Court remark indicating that evidence from the prosecution suggests that Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam were allegedly involved in "conspiring, gathering people, and providing strategic direction" during the 2020 Delhi riots. Consequently, the court denied their bail applications in a significant conspiracy case related to the violence.
Social Media Reactions
सांपों के फ़न कुचले जा रहें हैं
— Kapil Mishra (@KapilMishra_IND) January 6, 2026
सपोलें बिलबिला रहें हैं
JNU में नक्सलियों, आतंकियों, दंगाइयों के समर्थन में भद्दे नारें लगाने वाले हताश हैं क्योंकि नक्सली खत्म किए जा रहें हैं, आतंकी निपटाए जा रहें हैं और दंगाइयों को कोर्ट पहचान चुका है
#BREAKING: 10 years after Pro-Terror Anti-India Slogans in JNU led to a Nationwide storm.
— Aditya Raj Kaul (@AdityaRajKaul) January 6, 2026
Fresh Anti-Modi/Shah Slogans inside JNU in presence of two senior JNUSU functionaries.
“Modi-Shah Ki Kabar Khudegi, JNU Ki Dharti Par”
No major action in 2016.
Will we see any action now? pic.twitter.com/eRrxZPWt7b