Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in New Delhi has once again become the epicenter of a major political controversy, nearly a decade after the 2016 sedition row that gripped the nation. On January 6, 2026, fresh allegations surfaced over “anti-national” slogans raised during a campus protest against the Supreme Court's January 5 decision denying bail to former JNU students Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the ongoing 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case. The protest, organized by left-leaning student groups, featured chants reportedly targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, prompting the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to accuse participants of anti-national activities, echoing the high-decibel accusations leveled in 2016 against then-students Kanhaiya Kumar, Umar Khalid, and others.

The 2016 incident stemmed from an event commemorating the death anniversary of Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru, where slogans such as “Bharat ki barbaadi tak jung rahegi” (war will continue till the destruction of India) were allegedly raised, leading to sedition charges, arrests, and nationwide debates on free speech, nationalism, and campus politics. Kanhaiya Kumar, Umar Khalid, and Anirban Bhattacharya faced prolonged legal battles before eventual acquittal or bail. The current controversy mirrors that episode in several ways: the involvement of Umar Khalid, the invocation of “anti-national” charges by the BJP, and sharp counterattacks from the opposition, including Congress, which has accused the government of politicizing dissent and suppressing voices critical of its policies.

The latest protest erupted after the Supreme Court refused bail to Khalid and Imam, citing concerns over the potential to influence witnesses and the gravity of the charges under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. Student activists described the demonstration as a peaceful expression of solidarity and demand for justice, while BJP leaders and supporters branded the slogans as seditious and a threat to national integrity. Social media platforms quickly amplified the divide, with videos of the protest circulating widely and drawing responses from political figures across the spectrum. The opposition has demanded an impartial probe into the campus events and accused the government of using the controversy to deflect from other issues.

Also Read: Umar Khalid on Bail Denial: Jail Is My Life Now, Happy for Others Released

This recurring pattern at JNU underscores the campus's enduring role as a flashpoint for ideological battles in Indian politics, where issues of free speech, sedition laws, and nationalism continue to provoke intense polarization. While the 2016 case became a defining moment in debates over academic freedom, the 2026 episode risks reigniting similar national conversations, especially with Umar Khalid's name linking the two controversies. Authorities have yet to confirm any formal action, but the episode has already sparked calls for dialogue on balancing security concerns with constitutional rights on university campuses.

Also Read: SC Bail Denial to Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam Draws BJP Praise and Congress Critique