Naseeruddin Shah backs Jamia students, draws Rijiju criticism

Naseeruddin Shah has backed students at Jamia Millia Islamia in a social media video as their campaign for the restoration of the university’s student union continues. Union parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju criticised the actor on Thursday, October 29, following his intervention.

In the video, Shah accused the BJP-led central government of undermining educational institutions and intimidating young people. Those accusations were his assessment of the government’s conduct, rather than findings established by the reports.

Rijiju responded on X with a sharp attack on the actor, saying he considered Shah harmful to Indian democracy. Shah had displayed a pin carrying the expression “Dimagi Naxal” and used the term to describe himself.

Students seek a firm election schedule

The Jamia agitation began on October 12. Protesters want their student union restored, a definite date for elections and a timetable for approval of its constitution; they have also sought the removal of the chief proctor.

The administration has agreed to resume union elections, according to reports. Students say that announcement does not settle their concerns because it lacks an unambiguous schedule and leaves important questions unresolved.

The union was suspended in 2006, and elections have not taken place since then. The current confrontation has included a hunger strike as students and university authorities remain at odds.

Naseeruddin Shah also referred to Jawaharlal Nehru University and the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute in his message. He had earlier supported SRFTI students in Kolkata, who have been holding an indefinite sit-in following violent incidents on campus.

The actor drew on poetry while arguing that pressure would not extinguish students’ resolve. His latest intervention follows earlier criticism of the government’s handling of protests over alleged NEET examination irregularities in July.

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