The Mumbai Police canceled a day long student convention where Gujarat Legislator Jignesh Mevani and JNU Student Leader Umar Khalid would take part. But the organizers remained determined to let the show go on and have decided to let Mevani and Khalid address the students online.
Sachin Bansode from Chatra Bharti was quoted saying, “They are both at a secure place in the city. We will hold the exact same programme online on 10 January, and they will address the students then.”
The Pune Police registered an FIR against Mevani and Khalid. The duo is accused of making inflammatory speeches at a meet in Shaniwar Wada on the 31st of December.
Mevani justified, “I am being targeted by the BJP and the Sangh as they have been shaken after being reduced to 99 seats in the Gujarat Assembly. They are trying to tarnish my image. No part of my speech is inflammatory nor did I visit Bhima Koregaon or participate in the bandh call in Maharashtra.” The newly elected MLA said, “If this is the treatment given to an established and elected Dalit leader, imagine the state of the poor Dalits in the Country. How can they feel safe?”
Meanwhile, the police reported they stand firm on not giving permission for the programme. On Thursday, the Mumbai Police arrived at Bhaidas Hall in Vile Parle and stopped the All India Students Summit organized by left leaning Chhatra Bharati. The Chhatra Bharati members were agitated by the cancellation of the programme and held a protest by raising anti government slogans. The police detained most of the protesters who attempted to enter the auditorium.
The Chhatra Bharati Vice President Sagar Bhalerao explained the event was planned a long time ago and Mevani and Khalid were listed as speakers even before the FIR. The police cited the ongoing protests in Maharashtra as a strong reason to cancel the event.
