Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (DV)

Mangaluru, Aug 20: On the eve of BJP national president Amit Shah's visit to the city during which he will address a gathering at Mangalore University in Konaje, the All College Students' Union has condemned the move of the varsity to permit the use of its auditorium for a political programme.

Amit Shah is scheduled to visit Mangaluru on Sunday August 21 as part of the BJP's ongoing nation-wide 'Tiranga Yatra' campaign aimed at instilling patriotism and nationalism especially among the youth. He will flag off a BJP Yuva Morcha bike rally at Pumpwell, visit Ullal where he will garland Rani Abbakka's statue and later address a gathering in the presence of union minister D V Sadananda Gowda and state BJP chief B S Yeddyurappa.

Addressing a press meet here, All College Students' Union state president Dinakar Shetty said, "Mangalore University's move to provide its auditorium to a political party to hold a programme is condemnable. The student unions had requested the University to allow students to use the auditorium for various programmes, but permission was refused. But unfortunately, due to political pressure, the auditorium has been provided to a political party now.

"We are not against the political party or the organizers, but we condemn the University's move.
A university should give importance to education and values, but Mangalore University has failed to protect its students' interest," he added.

"We have already written to the state higher education minister on this issue, and urged suspension of the officers responsible for giving permission. Though there are several problems faced by the students, the university officers have not responded to them. They are involved in politics. The syndicate members are politically motivated."

He also informed that the auditorium has been booked in the name of MP Nalin Kumar Kateel.

"The University vice-chancellor is not giving a proper clarification on the matter. He was told it was for 'Tiranga Yatra' so he allowed it, but he has refused to admit that he was misguided. Though there will not be any flags of the political party, the president of the party is coming to the programme. We would not have objected if Prime Minister Narendra Modi was coming," he said.

Moving on to other issues, he said, "On August 13, the All College Students' Union held its election, and later there was a procession. We had already taken permission for the procession from the police 15 days in advance, but on eve of the election, DCP Sanjeeva Patil called the president of the district All College Students' Union and told him not to hold the rally and also imposed many conditions. He refused to give premission, after which we went to MLA J R Lobo and assured him that we would hold the procession without creating any inconvenience to the public. MLA Lobo then called the DCP who got angry at our complaint. On the day of the procession, he did not send any police personnel, instead he sent notices to the students. We condemn the police department's move and we will challenge the case legally. If people had faced any inconvenience due to the procession, I publicly apologise."

Dakshina Kannada president of All College Students' Union Prajwal Poojary and others were present.