Thiruvananthapuram, Jul 29 : Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Wednesday launched a political attack on leaders associated with the recent student protests in Delhi, citing an old social media post by Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) leader Saurav Das that expressed support for jailed student activist Umar Khalid.
Chandrasekhar shared Das’s previous post on social media platform ‘X’, in which the CJP leader had referred to Khalid as the “bravest” and expressed strong admiration for him. The BJP leader used the post to question the ideological direction of those involved in leading student demonstrations.
Without directly naming any individual, Chandrasekhar appealed to students and their families to carefully evaluate the people influencing protest movements. He said genuine concerns raised by students should be addressed, but warned against allowing protests to be driven by individuals whose views, according to him, could harm national unity.
“To the many genuine students and their parents who protested with their genuine grievances — take a look at this picture and its message. And choose who you are with wisely,” Chandrasekhar wrote on X.
BJP Leader Warns Against Violence During Protests
Chandrasekhar further stated that democratic protests based on genuine issues should be respected, but any attempt to turn demonstrations violent or challenge the country’s integrity would not be accepted.
He said India had progressed despite its challenges and accused certain groups of attempting to weaken democratic institutions and national interests.
“We didn’t come so far as a nation (with all our pluses and minuses) to be undermined by this lot. WILL NOT HAPPEN,” he posted.
The BJP leader also said he had recently become aware of the background of some individuals involved in the student protests and suggested that their ideological positions required greater scrutiny.
Social Media Debate Intensifies After Old Posts Surface
Chandrasekhar’s remarks came after a fresh online debate erupted over photographs and earlier social media activity involving Saurav Das, including reports of his meeting with Umar Khalid.
The discussion gained attention following student demonstrations at Jantar Mantar in Delhi over alleged irregularities related to examinations. Several student groups had participated in protests demanding accountability and reforms in the examination system.
The BJP leader’s comments have added a political dimension to the ongoing debate, with supporters defending his concerns over protest leadership, while critics argue that past personal views should not be used to question the legitimacy of students’ demands.
Political Reactions Over Student Movements Continue
The controversy comes at a time when student protests over examination-related issues have become a major political issue. Opposition parties and student organisations have demanded stronger safeguards in recruitment and entrance examinations, while the government has maintained that steps are being taken to improve transparency and prevent irregularities.
As political parties continue to debate the role and direction of student movements, the focus remains on balancing the right to peaceful protest with concerns over maintaining public order and national integrity.