### JNU Protests Erupt Over Slogans Against PM Modi and Amit Shah Following Supreme Court Bail Denial The recent protests at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) have ignited a significant political controversy in India. Students raised slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah in response to the Supreme Court's denial of bail to activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, who are implicated in the 2020 riots conspiracy case. The university administration has reacted strongly, warning of severe disciplinary actions, including expulsion, against those involved in the protests. This incident has not only reignited debates about freedom of speech on campus but has also drawn sharp political responses from various parties, highlighting the polarized nature of contemporary Indian politics. ### Breakdown of the Incident and Reactions 1. **Background of the Protests**: - The protests were triggered by the Supreme Court's refusal to grant bail to Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam, leading to a gathering of students at JNU where controversial slogans were raised against PM Modi and HM Shah [https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/india/jnu-warns-of-expulsion-over-slogans-against-pm-modi-amit-shah-fir-filed-against-students-13760494.html]. - The slogans were reportedly part of an annual protest commemorating the violence that occurred on campus on January 5, 2020 [https://www.mid-day.com/news/india-news/article/jnu-students-raise-anti-modi-shah-slogans-after-sc-denies-bail-to-umar-khalid-23610911]. 2. **University Administration's Response**: - JNU's administration has filed a police complaint and warned that any form of violence or anti-national activity will not be tolerated, emphasizing the need for maintaining campus decorum [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/politics/3762821-jnu-sloganeering-sparks-national-controversy-divides-political-leaders]. - The administration has stated that disciplinary actions could include suspension or expulsion of the students involved [https://www.indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/jnu-suspend-students-controversial-slogans-pm-narendra-modi-amit-shah-umar-khalid-10458773]. 3. **Political Reactions**: - The incident has sparked a political backlash, with the BJP accusing the protesters of extremism, while opposition parties, including Congress, have defended the students' right to protest [https://www.businesstoday.in/bt-tv/video/jnu-boils-over-as-slogans-row-erupts-after-sc-denies-bail-to-umar-khalid-sharjeel-imam-509792-2026-01-07]. - The slogans have been described as "provocative" and have led to accusations of contempt of court, further complicating the political landscape [https://www.republicworld.com/india/jnu-writes-to-delhi-police-names-9-students-seeks-fir-over-anti-modi-and-amit-shah-sloganeering]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Key Events**: - **Date of Protests**: January 6, 2026, coinciding with the anniversary of the 2020 campus violence [https://www.ptcnews.tv/politics/controversial-slogans-raised-at-jnu-against-pm-modi-after-sc-denies-bail-to-umar-khalid-sharjeel-imam-4419579]. - **Supreme Court Decision**: The court denied bail to Khalid and Imam, which was the catalyst for the protests [https://www.cnbctv18.com/india/controversial-slogans-raised-against-pm-shah-at-jnu-protest-after-umar-khalid-bail-denial-ws-l-19815238.htm]. - **Administrative Actions**: - JNU has initiated an internal inquiry and has sought an FIR against the students involved, naming nine individuals [https://www.republicworld.com/india/protests-erupt-at-jnu-over-umar-khalid-and-sharjeel-imam-bail-denial-anti-modi-and-anti-amit-shah-slogans-raised-delhi-police-send-notices-to-jnusu-officials]. ### Conclusion: Implications of the JNU Incident The protests at JNU reflect a broader struggle over the limits of free speech and political dissent in India. The university's administration is taking a hard stance against what it deems provocative actions, while political parties are leveraging the incident to further their narratives. 1. **Freedom of Speech vs. Campus Conduct**: The administration's warning against anti-national activities raises questions about the balance between free expression and maintaining order on campus. 2. **Political Polarization**: The incident has deepened the divide between ruling and opposition parties, showcasing the contentious nature of political discourse in India today. 3. **Future of Student Activism**: The potential disciplinary actions against students may deter future protests, impacting the landscape of student activism in Indian universities. In summary, the JNU protests serve as a microcosm of the ongoing tensions in Indian society regarding governance, dissent, and the role of educational institutions in political discourse [https://www.indianexpress.com/article/cities/delhi/jnu-protest-slogans-modi-amit-shah-umar-khalid-sharjeel-imam-10457901].