A day after Lady Shri Ram College student Gurmehar Kaur pulled out of thecampaign against violent clashes at Ramjas College following social media backlash, former cricketer Virendra Sehwag took to Twitter on Wednesday to clarify his position on the ongoing row.
Sehwag, whose tweet on Gurmehartriggered an outrage on social media, claimed that his tweet "plain fun" and was not intended to target Gurmehar.
Sehwag had earlier tweeted a picture of him in a style similar to Gurmehar's video with a placard that read: "I didn't score two triple centuries, my bat did."
Meanwhile, cricketer Gautam Gambhir came out in support of Gurmehar on Wednesday saying that freedom of expression is absolute and equal for all.
Not to be outdone, BJP minister Anil Vij from Haryana told ANIthat those supporting Gurmehar were pro-Pakistan and should, therefore, be thrown out of India.
A war of words erupted betweenthe BJP and the Congress and the Left parties amid hundreds ofuniversity students and teachers taking out a protest marchagainst Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) on Tuesday. Here's a look at all that was said about the clashes on the Delhi University campus on Tuesday.
Gurmehar Kaur pulls out of campaign
After receiving rape threats, 20-year-old Gurmehar decided to distance herself from the students' campaign on Tuesday. Gurmehar, in a series of tweets, said that she would not be participating in the AISA march but encouraged everyone to go attend it in huge numbers.
Union minister Kiren Rijiju
Union minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday said his remark on who was "polluting" the mind of an Army martyr's daughter was aimed at "the Leftists" and clarified that she was free to express her views. Rijiju's comment came a day after he questioned whether someone was polluting Gurmehar's mind thatdrew flak from the Opposition.
"I stand by my comments. Anybody who tweets on social media platform should be careful. But anyone with a contrary view should be allowed to speak. Gurmehar is a young girl and she should be allowed to speak her mind," he told reporters. "When I said somebody is polluting her (Gurmehar's) mind, I meant the Leftists," he said.
The Union Minister of State for Home said if there was any threat to Kaur, it should be dealt with sternly. "But someone is playing politics over the issue," he said. He went on to describe Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal as an "anarchist", and said that he was siding with some students who were creating turmoil in Delhi University. The minister asked the Congress to stay away from the universities as they have "no ideology".
Shashi Tharoor
Shashi Tharoor also came out in support of Gurmehar. Congress leader and author took to Facebook to share his "brief reflections on Sehwag's picture tweet responding to the words of Gurmehar Kaur". He said, "I am disappointed that my cricket hero Virender Sehwag chose to enter the wholly politicised debate over Gurmehar Kaurs words by saying 'I didnt score two triple centuries, my bat did'."
Javed Akhtar
Veteran lyricist Javed Akhtar on Tuesday hit out at Rijiju for his remark against Gurmehar Kaur, calling it "grossly biased".
Mr minister , you have condemned the left by falsely accusing them for celebrating soldiers killing n not a word about AVBP. Grossly biased Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) February 28, 2017
He also took a dig at Sehwag and wrestler Yogeshwar Dutt, who trolled Kaur after her campaign "I am not afraid of ABVP" went viral.
"I don't (know) about her but Mr Minister I know who is polluting your mind," the 71-year-old lyricist added.
Robert Vadra
Robert Vadra on Tuesday tweeted saying, "Way to go Gurmehar Kaur, for taking on the fascists."
AICC general secretary Janardan Dwivedi
Talking about politicisation of the recent events at Ramjas College, senior Congress leader Janardan Dwivedi on Tuesday said students movements these days were "pre-planned" and not "self-inspired".
Students clash with police at Ramjas College in Delhi. File photo. PTI
Expressing concern over deteriorating atmosphere on college campuses across the country, he said it was not just the question of freedom of expression but more serious issue was the future of the coming generations.
"Today, the atmosphere in educational institutions in the country is being vitiated in the same manner as that in the society, which is being divided on caste and communal lines... It is not the question of only freedom of expression. It is also the question of academic atmosphere in educational institutions and the future of our coming generations as well as the larger interests of the nation that need to be kept in mind," he said.
Kanhaiya Kumar and Umar Khalid react
JNU students' leader Umar Khalid on Tuesday said, "Sehwag played for BCCI, he does not represent India. The thousands of students and teachers who came out in Delhi University today, they represent India a vision of a New India based on equality, justice and freedom!"
"The moment you write anything against Sangh (RSS) on social media, trolls surround you like bees from all sides. But when it comes to coming out on the streets, ABVP can at most muster up 150-200 people in support of their fascist ideology," he added
Kanhaiya Kumar, who had also joined the protests against ABVP demanded "non-violence" on campuses.
Vidya Balan speaks for freedom of expression
On the Gurmehar Kaur row, actress Vidya Balan on Wednesday said,"I don't want to say much about this. I think what we really need to do is respect people's freedom of expression. 'He said something she said something', all are right in their places. But I don't want to add anything more, everyone has the right to express what they feel."
(With inputs from agencies)
Go here to read the rest:
- if democracy and freedom got in the way of making money in the USA would they be eradicated? [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- 1984 by George Orwell? [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Propaganda in 1984 by George Orwell? [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- If America supports freedom and democracy, why have we done the following? [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Another fine example of Bush supporting freedom and democracy? [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Do you think that people have the right to the freedom of thought without influence anymore? [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Forrest Gump - Need a thesis relating to freedom and democracy? [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- 1984 by George Orwell’s statement? [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- How do you spread freedom and democracy without being in contradiction with the terms? [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- What’s the difference between democracy and freedom? [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- 3. The American Solution [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- 4. Relating to Images [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- 5. Representing Images [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- 6. Exploring Images [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- 7. Understanding Images [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- 8. Acting Upon Images [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- 9. The Paradigm Shift to Generativity [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- 1. Totalitarianism and Variability [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- 2. Freedom and Changeability [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- 3. The Freedom Culture [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- New Web Special: China and 60 Years of Communist Party Rule [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Cuban Regime Intensifies Opposition Crackdown with Sham Trial [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Postponing Dalai Lama Meeting Sends Wrong Message [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Freedom House Sends High-Level Delegation to Egypt [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Detained Syrian Opposition Figure Must Be Immediately Released [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Activist's Upheld Conviction a Troubling Sign for Justice in Kazakhstan [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Tunisia's Electoral Process Severely Damaged by Pre-Election Rights Violations [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Lifting of EU Arms Embargo on Uzbekistan Sends Wrong Message on Human Rights [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Pakistan Assembly Urged to Reject Restrictive Amendments to Press Law [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Freedom House Launches Web Feature on Fall of Berlin Wall [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2009] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2009]
- Resolutions on Defamation of Religions Do Not Belong at United Nations, Organizations Say [Last Updated On: December 13th, 2009] [Originally Added On: December 13th, 2009]
- Bloggers' Jailing Threatens New Media's Emergence in Azerbaijan [Last Updated On: December 13th, 2009] [Originally Added On: December 13th, 2009]
- Support Chinese Human Rights Activists, Freedom House Tells Obama on Eve of Visit [Last Updated On: December 13th, 2009] [Originally Added On: December 13th, 2009]
- UN Should Pass Resolution Condemning Iran Human Rights Abuses [Last Updated On: December 13th, 2009] [Originally Added On: December 13th, 2009]
- Congress Urged to Lift Ban on U.S. Travel to Cuba [Last Updated On: December 13th, 2009] [Originally Added On: December 13th, 2009]
- Filipino Massacre Reflects Climate of Impunity [Last Updated On: December 13th, 2009] [Originally Added On: December 13th, 2009]
- Switzerland Vote Disappointing Blow to Religious Freedom [Last Updated On: December 13th, 2009] [Originally Added On: December 13th, 2009]
- Freedom House Launches Campaign to Defend Freedom of Expression [Last Updated On: December 13th, 2009] [Originally Added On: December 13th, 2009]
- Poll Shows Zimbabweans Want Elections and Democratic Constitution [Last Updated On: December 13th, 2009] [Originally Added On: December 13th, 2009]
- Clinton Speech Signals Greater Emphasis on Human Rights in U.S. Policy [Last Updated On: December 16th, 2009] [Originally Added On: December 16th, 2009]
- The Prosperity Problem [Last Updated On: January 5th, 2010] [Originally Added On: January 5th, 2010]
- Freedom in the World 2010: Global Erosion of Freedom [Last Updated On: January 12th, 2010] [Originally Added On: January 12th, 2010]
- Freedom House Congratulates Memorial on Human Rights Award [Last Updated On: January 13th, 2010] [Originally Added On: January 13th, 2010]
- Recent Blogger Arrests a Troubling Trend in the Middle East/North Africa Region [Last Updated On: January 13th, 2010] [Originally Added On: January 13th, 2010]
- Freedom House Calls Upon the Government of Uzbekistan to Release its Jailed Activists [Last Updated On: January 13th, 2010] [Originally Added On: January 13th, 2010]
- Citing Iran Crackdown, Freedom House Launches Net Freedom Initiative [Last Updated On: January 13th, 2010] [Originally Added On: January 13th, 2010]
- Google Response to Chinese Cyber-Attacks Appropriate [Last Updated On: January 14th, 2010] [Originally Added On: January 14th, 2010]
- Ombudsman Statements Reflect Culture of Intimidation in Chechnya [Last Updated On: January 15th, 2010] [Originally Added On: January 15th, 2010]
- Bloggers Stifled Again in Egypt [Last Updated On: January 15th, 2010] [Originally Added On: January 15th, 2010]
- Google Applauded for Stance on China Internet Censorship [Last Updated On: January 16th, 2010] [Originally Added On: January 16th, 2010]
- Latest Convictions Reflect Crackdown on Freedom of Expression and Association in Vietnam [Last Updated On: January 21st, 2010] [Originally Added On: January 21st, 2010]
- Integrity of Elections in Sri Lanka Endangered, Says Freedom House [Last Updated On: January 22nd, 2010] [Originally Added On: January 22nd, 2010]
- Freedom House Welcomes Clinton Speech on Internet Freedom [Last Updated On: January 23rd, 2010] [Originally Added On: January 23rd, 2010]
- Group wants same military benefits for gay spouses - Washington Times [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2010]
- Va. health bill could foil Obama proposal - Boston Globe [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2010]
- THE VA FIRST INTERNAL EVIDENCE OF CHANGE FOR GULF WAR VETERANS OF 1990-91 DOES ... - Veterans Today Network [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2010]
- Freedom Driver System Receives Medical Device CE Mark - Today's Medical Developments [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2010]
- NxStage Announces New FREEDOM Data Showing the Positive Impact of its Daily ... - CNNMoney.com (press release) [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2010]
- Phil Lewis: Coach fumbles lesson on freedom of the press - Naples Daily News [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2010]
- Report: Prescription drug prices vary drastically in NY - Poughkeepsie Journal [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2010]
- Bill Bell: Surgeon models success on international scale - Whittier Daily News [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2010]
- Justin Trottier: Time to call time on homeopathy - National Post (blog) [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2010]
- Voice of the Day Initiative would aid rights of patients - News-Leader.com [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2010]
- Free Speech under Attack in Morocco [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2010]
- Freedom House, Russian Rights Groups Announce New Partnership [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2010]
- Egyptian Government Must Live Up To Its Human Rights Commitments in Geneva [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2010]
- Global Human Rights Advocates Meet With President Obama on U.S. Human Rights Agenda [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2010]
- Death of Political Prisoner in Cuba Exposes Systemic Prison Maltreatment and Torture [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2010]
- New Study Finds Gains for Women's Rights in the Middle East [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2010]
- Egyptian Government Continues to Use Emergency Law to Crack Down on Freedom of Speech [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2010]
- Human Rights Advocates Issue Plan of Action as Human Rights Council Meets in Geneva [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2010]
- Sri Lankan Government Heightens Intimidation Campaign Against Voices of Dissent [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2010]
- Nigerian and Indonesian Activists Challenge Repressive Measures in "Defamation of Religions" Debate [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2010]
- Healing Healthcare: Restore Medical Freedom - Gather.com [Last Updated On: March 15th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 15th, 2010]
- Putting the "I" back in medicine - McGill Daily [Last Updated On: March 15th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 15th, 2010]
- Freedom House Calls on Kyrgyz Government to Loosen Controls on Media [Last Updated On: March 16th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 16th, 2010]
- Talking Points - FOXNews [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2010]
- The Battle Over Health Care At America's Medical Schools - FOXNews [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2010]
- News Article Ceremony Honors Fallen Medical Servicemembers - Department of Defense [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2010]
- Vietnam Temporarily Frees Prominent Catholic Priest - Christian Post [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2010] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2010]