Dushyant Chautala Backs HAU Students, Accuses BJP of Playing Caste Card

Former Haryana Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala strongly supported protesting HAU students on Thursday, accusing BJP leaders of deliberately turning the student agitation into a caste-based controversy.

Speaking to students at the College of Agriculture in Bawal, Rewari, who are backing the Hisar protest, Chautala said, "Students from all communities are united in seeking justice over the unjustified police lathicharge on innocent students. Unfortunately, BJP leaders are trying to distort the issue by turning it into a caste-based controversy."

Government Inaction Criticized 

The JJP leader slammed the state government for failing to act despite Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini's assurances after the June 9 incident. "We met the Chief Minister immediately after the lathicharge and demanded justice for students. He promised to form a committee to investigate, but nothing substantial has been done. Instead, students are being harassed," Chautala alleged.= He also criticized the government's approach to student welfare, pointing out that scholarships have been reduced instead of increased. "Using force on students for demanding legitimate rights and coercing them to appear in exams under pressure is shameful and unacceptable," he stated.

Challenge to BJP Narrative

Responding to a BJP leader's comment about the protest's caste nature, Chautala challenged, "Let him come to Bawal and ask students their caste. He will realize they are united beyond caste lines."= The JJP leader reiterated his party's firm support for protesting students, urging the Governor and state government to take strict action against those responsible for violence and accept students' legitimate demands.