Tactics to put down other party candidates at the JNUSU presidential debate were seen in full play on Wednesday night as unknown student groups spritzed pepper spray into the audience, threw chilli powder and at one point were even alleged of tinkering with microphones to shush rivals. While the EC gave
continued warnings for the activities, it was not clear as to which party was creating the distraction. Nonetheless, the debate went on uninterrupted with candidates passionately expressing their points of view.
All India Students’ Association (AISA) candidate Ashutosh Kumar was the first one to experience any form of trouble during the presidential debate. Though he was the second speaker his microphone started turning off the moment he would speak. Whether purposely done or not, cannot be ascertained as technicians were seen struggling to ensure there is no problem, it was definitely a downer for the candidate as he repeated the beginning of his speech almost six times leaving the audience bored. However, this happening did enrage a few AISA volunteers who almost jumped onto the stage and were later stopped by security.
However, what the Election Commission really took
cognizance of was that some
students in the audience were adopting tactics to disrupt the cheering crowd. According to Chief Election Officer Dilip Maurya, students were throwing chilli powder and spraying
pepper spray at the venue. “We condemn the use of chilli
powder, pepper sprays and
tinkering with mics by some
student groups,” said Maurya during the presidential debate.
The situation was however, kept under control by the local security. There was no
interruption in the debate as well.