Hours after reports surfaced about BJP leader Subramanian Swamy being offered the post of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) vice chancellor, the former on Thursday said that he would consider the government’s proposal only if allowed to rusticate ‘anti-national’ elements.
HRD Ministry is believed to have made the offer to Swamy, but he has reportedly put some conditions before accepting the coveted post.
Swamy, known for making controversial statements, took to Twitter on Thursday to vent his views and share his ‘vision’ for the prestigious institute. As the vice chancellor of JNU, Swamy would like to “rusticate anti-national elements, set up a BSF camp inside the campus, and arrest Naxals and jehadis.”
PTs are overwhelmingly against my accepting JNU VC post. No question of my considering unless allowed to rusticate anti- national students
— Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) September 24, 2015
I think JNU needs an Anti Narcotics Bureau campus branch office to raid dorms and arrest Naxals, jehadis and Elis. BSF camp also
— Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) September 24, 2015
Earlier, the reports said that HRD Minister Smriti Irani spoke to Swamy about the offer. It also said that BJP leader has placed some riders before the Ministry for accepting the offer.
ALSO READ: Subramanian Swamy As JNU VC? News Sends Twitter In Frenzy
However, Swamy did not confirmed any such offer.
Media is on fire that I have been offered the JNU VC post. No formal offer nor will there be if the Govt cannot meet my pre- conditions
— Subramanian Swamy (@Swamy39) September 23, 2015
If Swamy Ji going to be JNU VC , it will be the best thing which can happen to this University. — Aakash Gauttam (@AakashGauttam) September 24, 2015
As soons as the report came, twitter went in a frenzy, with JNU VC becoming a top trend. While Swamy’s supporters hailed this as the best thing for JNU, his detractors were shocked at the news with some warning a FTII like agitation against his appointment.
Subramanian Swamy to be next #JNU VC? http://t.co/YTTNKgKfMX JNU students won’t let this bigot be their VC. #FTII to jhanki, JNU baki hai!
— Kavita Krishnan (@kavita_krishnan) September 23, 2015
Any Sanghi who gets #JNUVC posting will be like a Roman Centurion getting posted at Asterix’ Gaulish village:) pic.twitter.com/0mji4JAalg — Kavita Krishnan (@kavita_krishnan) September 23, 2015
JNU stands for values of justice & excellence in research. Mr. Swamy was fired by Harvard for his regressive comments. Not fit for JNU VC.
— Shehla Rashid (@Shehla_Rashid) September 23, 2015
The struggle against saffron puppets- be it FTII Chair or new JNU VC- will expose this government. Students will show them the door. — Shehla Rashid (@Shehla_Rashid) September 23, 2015
However, some users were quick to point out that Swamy’s appointment would not meet the current eligibility criteria for the JNU VC post.
There’s a 65 yr age limit for JNU VC post. Is it media, or the anti- @Swamy39 coterie playin mischief? Caution needed pic.twitter.com/47Axpj7U22
— IBTL (@IndiaBTL) September 23, 2015
Interestingly, the development comes even before the Union Ministry is to finalise the search-cum-selection committee for selecting the new VC. The current VC S K Sopory is set to retire in January next year.
As per the rules, a panel of names selected by the committee is sent to the President ( who is Visitor of the central varsities) by the HRD Ministry before the announcement of the new VC.
The advertisements for inviting applications from the interested candidates for appointment of the new VC was given in August this year.
(with PTI inputs)