More than 2,400 students at JNU cast their votes in a referendum held on March 10, overwhelmingly calling for the resignation of Vice Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit. Of the 2,409 votes recorded, 2,181 — or 90.54% — supported her removal from office. Only 207 students, or 8.59%, voted to keep her in power, with 21 ballots deemed invalid.

Protests Emerge Over Casteist Remarks and Corruption

The referendum followed months of student protests against Pandit’s remarks, including her controversial claim that ‘Dalits and Blacks are drugged with victimhood.’ The statement, widely seen as offensive and casteist, triggered widespread outrage across the JNU campus and beyond.

Students, supported by faculty and student organizations, staged strikes and lockdowns across several schools of the university to demand accountability and transparency. The protests were initially sparked by concerns about corruption and the administration’s handling of internal affairs.

The JNUSU, the student union, led the movement, coordinating actions through School General Body Meetings (GBMs). These meetings allowed students to collectively decide on actions, including strikes and demonstrations, reinforcing the democratic nature of the protests.

Repression and Arrests Spark Wider Concerns

The administration responded with force, filing multiple First Information Reports (FIRs) against students, including leaders of the student union, for carrying out decisions made through democratic processes. The situation escalated when students marched to the Ministry of Education to demand the implementation of UGC regulations and the resignation of the VC.

During the march, more than 50 students were detained by police, with 14 arrested and sent to Tihar Jail, where they remained for three days. The Vice Chancellor, however, did not issue any public statement condemning the police actions against her own students.

This lack of response, combined with the heavy-handed police crackdown, raised serious concerns about the alleged collusion between the administration and law enforcement. Students argued that the repression was a direct response to the pressure exerted by the ongoing strike and lockdowns.

Referendum Reflects Student Sentiment

The referendum, organized by JNUSU, was a direct response to the growing demands for accountability. It aimed to democratically gauge the student community’s stance on whether Pandit should continue as Vice Chancellor.

The overwhelming vote against her continuation underscored the deep dissatisfaction among students regarding her leadership. The referendum is seen as a significant moment in JNU’s history, highlighting the power of student voices in demanding institutional reform.

JNUSU has announced plans to hold a public hearing for the Vice Chancellor next week, where retired judges, legal experts, academics, and activists will be invited. The hearing will include the presentation of a chargesheet detailing allegations of corruption, nepotism, casteism, and violations of reservation policies.

JNUSU has reiterated its demand for the immediate resignation of Pandit and called on the Ministry of Education to take notice of the democratic mandate expressed by students.

The events at JNU have drawn national attention, with many viewing the referendum as a landmark moment in student activism. The outcome has also sparked discussions on the role of universities in addressing issues of caste, corruption, and governance.