The Indian National Congress has given its support to the commemoration of Rohith Vemula’s first death anniversary to be held on Tuesday.
The party, which held a memorial meet in the city on Monday, stated the INC would support the students in getting the justice that they deserve.
Speaking at the meet, Uttam Kumar Reddy, Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee president said Rohith Vemula, ever since his death, had become a rallying point for social movements in the country.
The movement started by Rohith was a flame that cannot be extinguished, he said. Mr. Reddy criticised Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao for not helping students who have been agitating for the removal of UoH Vice-Chancellor P. Appa Rao from his post. Mr. Reddy also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for presenting Mr. Appa Rao with Millennium award for his contribution in science and technology. The meeting organised by TPCC’s SC Cell also had participants from Telangana Joint Action Committee (TJAC) and Aam Admi Party (AAP).
M. Kodandaram, Chairman of TJAC spoke at length about the discrimination practised in educational institutions. “Students from marginalised backgrounds face oppression in university campuses,” he said, adding, “political appointment of Vice-Chancellors by successive governments has not helped students or academics”. Student leaders who spoke at the meet said political players including TRS and BJP should debate over granting Rohith justice instead of debating his caste. “Dalit community across India has owned up Rohith. Why are these outsiders debating his caste?” asked Vice-Chairperson, SC Cell of TPCC and TPCC Official Spokesperson Manne Krishank.
