'Reject ABVP ideology'

 The ABVP has come under attack from opposition student parties for bringing up controversial issues such as ‘love-jihad’ and live-in relation.

Slamming the RSS-affiliate for focusing on ‘non-issues’, the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) on Saturday said they plan to launch a nationwide campaign against ABVP’s ideology.

Roji M John, national president of Congress-affiliated NSUI, alleged that the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad is trying to communalise the student politics.

“Their focus should have been on educational issues,” said John, while claiming that the student organisation is pursuing the ultra right wing ideology of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.

The controversial issues of ‘love jihad’ and live-in relationships had prominently featured in the ABVP’s national workshop for girls in Lucknow, held in August.

But taking to Deccan Herald, ABVP leaders insisted that the two issues are part of their overall campaign on women safety. Accusing ABVP of following the footsteps of its parent party, John said, “BJP raised the ‘love jihad’ issue during the recent by-elections in UP. They lost.”

 “Students and youth will reject this ideology,” he added.

The BJP-backed student organisation alleged that NSUI is stirring up controversy to gain political mileage. Responding to NSUI future campaign, the Delhi State Secretary, Saket Bahuguna, said, “They should have shown equal interest on student issues.”

The Congress’ student wing said it will start its campaign against ABVP from the Delhi University campus. Amrish Ranjan Pandey, NSUI spokesperson said ABVP has tried to interfere in “religious and personal” lives of people.

“In DU, they have been silent on issues such as UPSC, hostels and other basic issues,” Pandey said, while claiming that the rival student group has failed to pursue its pre-poll promises.

NSUI president John said their nationwide campaign will focus on BJP’s plan to ‘distort’ history books. “The BJP is trying to force its communal agenda and ABVP is supplementing it,” he added.