Pune: JNU Vice Chancellor Santisree Pandit’s Remarks On Leftist Influence And Religious Demographics Spark Debate

Pune, 15th February 2025: Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Vice Chancellor Dr. Santisree Pandit stirred controversy with her remarks at the Aadhya Krantiveer Vasudev Balwant Phadke Memorial Lecture, organized by the Maharashtra Education Society. Speaking on Indian Society in the New Era: Opportunities and Challenges, she touched on issues ranging from political ideologies to religious demographics.

During her address, Pandit commented on her experience at Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU), stating, “After studying there, one can do politics anywhere.” The statement has since sparked heated discussions. She further claimed that despite ten years of the current government, a strong Leftist ecosystem remains in place, emphasizing the need for independent thinkers.

“The Leftist narrative has been dominant for decades, portraying their figures as revolutionaries. However, figures like Vasudev Balwant Phadke should also be recognized as revolutionaries. This intellectual movement should start from a city like Pune, and we must write and speak about it,” she said.

Pandit also addressed her own appointment as JNU’s first female Vice Chancellor, crediting the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for breaking the long-standing tradition. “Many people use RSS for political and influential positions and then hide their affiliation. But I openly say that I am from the RSS,” she declared.

Her most controversial remark came when she expressed concerns over religious demographic changes, stating that the Indian Constitution, as drafted by Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar, is under threat due to religious population imbalances. “India will remain a secular and democratic country only as long as Hindus are in the majority,” she said, a statement that has triggered significant political and social debate.

Her remarks have drawn strong reactions from various quarters, with political leaders, scholars, and civil society members engaging in discussions about their implications on India’s secular fabric.