Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar, while coming out of Jadavpur University, suddenly announced that he would take questions from students under the portico of Aurobindo Bhavan, the administrative headquarters of the institute.
The session lasted for about 20 minutes. While leaving, Dhankhar said he would discuss with the students at Raj Bhavan the issues raised by them. Excerpts of the interaction between the governor, who is also chancellor of the university, and protesters.
Student 1: CAA, NRC and NPR (National Population Register) violate the spirit the Constitution. As constitutional head, what is your stand on this?
Dhankhar: I am requesting you to send a representation to Raj Bhavan to have a structured discussion on the issues regarding the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and other acts. You can come to Raj Bhavan tonight itself. You can come right now. I hope you will give me a structured representation. I believe the discussion will lead to a way out and this governor without any delay will pursue that way.
Student 1: But what is your response?
Dhankhar: See until and unless I get the full representation from your end and I go through them... and I am ready to hold discussion now... I am ready to hold discussion with 10 people, even 50 people and then I….
Student 2: After the Babul Supriyo incident (the minister had run into students’ agitation on the campus in September) at JU, you had promised that you would react on the incident of ABVP (students’ wing of RSS) vandalising the campus and Babul making the situation more volatile. Many girls were molested by ABVP goons. Please react to the incidents as chancellor.
Dhankhar: I have reacted to that incident a number of times... I will condemn any incident of violence on the campus under any circumstances.
Student 3: From Jamia Millia to Jadavpur, the students are protesting CAA, NRC and NPR. Why did you say dispersing the students would stop the movement? You have said that a number of times.
Dhankhar: I am aware about the situation in Bengal. My heart always beats for the students. There should not be any harm to students. I have spoken two things very avowedly. University should have the full autonomy in running its affairs. The state government has a limited role. The chancellor also has a limited role. Both should work keeping their limitations in mind. A situation should not be created wherein the chancellor acts as the boss or the government acts as the boss. The university should be the place for exchange of ideas.
Student 4: You are trying to say you do not have any information about what is going on outside Bengal?
Dhankhar: If you want to give me any information about any other part of the country, you can meet me even at midnight.
Student 5: People are protesting the implementation of these acts throughout India.... Twenty-five people have been murdered, including 18 in Uttar Pradesh. What is your reaction?
Dhankhar: Now, listen to me. For 12 hours I keep focussing on what is happening in West Bengal. If you come to Raj Bhavan I will share with you what are my problems. I face lots of problems. Whenever I receive any information I act immediately. But I don’t have time to look beyond Bengal....
Student 6: Twenty-five people have embraced martyrdom. Just condemn it.
Dhankhar keeps quiet.
Student 7: Are you willing to answer any of our questions in a conclusive manner?
Dhankhar: Any of you can hold discussions. I am ready to discuss threadbare. After discussing threadbare I can tell this comes under my jurisdiction. I will take bullet on my chest for the issues that come under my jurisdiction.
Student 8: If we go to Raj Bhavan and convince you about the our opposition to CAA and NRC, whose side will you take?
Dhankhar: I will listen to your representation with an open mind. And if I am convinced, I will not care about any government. I am not the representative of any government.
(Students make a booing sound)
