JNU Students’ Union president Kanhaiya Kumar, who was arrested on February 12 in an alleged sedition case in connection with the February 9 event on the JNU campus, was accorded a grand welcome on the campus on his return.
On Friday, when
Kanhaiya was the most-sought after by the media with #KanhaiyaKumar trending on the social media, The Pioneer’s Rahiba R Parveen catches up with the students’ leader. Excerpts:
You spend 22 days in custody. How was the entire experienceIJ
I thank you all. I was in custody, but you were out fighting for me. It is through the media that the entire world has come out in our support. Having been in jail for 22 days...it is yet to sink in… I am trying to comprehend the entire situation... Whatever damage was caused we have to mend that.
After getting conditional bail, you appear to be cautious while delivering speechIJ
The content of my speech has changed slightly but there is no caution.
Are you going to campaign for upcoming Bengal electionsIJ
Bengal election campaigning is something I heard from the media. Nothing has been communicated to me so far.
The left is divided but they are united for the JNU cause. What do you have to say on thisIJ
It is not only for the left but for everyone to unite for the right cause. Both left and Ambedkarite have come forward… The entire Opposition has come forward. All have to come forward to safeguard democracy and Constitution.
Are you planning to connect with all the students across the countryIJ
I have not reached to a position to connect the entire student community in India. They have come together to unite spontaneously. It was from occupy UGC campaign then Rohith Vemula and then stand with JNU... I see myself not as a politician but a soldier of this fight…We will continue...
Would JNU be under pressure not to hold seminars and events that it used to organise earlierIJ
The space will never be crushed... JNU will continue to organise events and seminars. They have never done anything anti-national.
Will your relation be strained with the ABVP leader who is your neighbour in hostelIJ
They have joined the ABVP because of the Government. I am concerned about the future of the ABVP members…If you are with the right, there are less chances of changing your mind but if you are with the wrong, possibility of sticking with them for long is difficult.