New Delhi, October 18, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
A march-past organised by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has triggered a political controversy, with the organisation defending the event as a positive development while Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders raised concerns about its presence on the university campus.
The Path Sanchalan was held on Saturday as part of the RSS’s Vijayadashami Utsav. RSS volunteers, dressed in the organisation’s traditional uniform, took part in a procession across the campus.
RSS National Executive Member Indresh Kumar defended the march, arguing that such an event should not be considered unusual in a democratic country. He said the programme reflected a shift towards democratic conduct and described it as a “good beginning”.
“India is a democratic country. If people abandon anarchy and follow democracy, it should not be surprising to see the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s Path Sanchalan inside JNU,” Kumar told reporters, adding that those who opposed the organisation should follow democratic principles.
The march drew criticism from Congress leader V. Hanumantha Rao, who warned that the RSS’s presence could create tensions on campus and affect the academic environment.
“This is a really very dangerous situation; a law and order problem will be there,” Rao told IANS. He alleged that the development could lead to disruption in the university and expressed concern about its potential impact on students and education.
Rao also criticised the RSS’s ideological position, alleging that it excluded religious minorities and could deepen divisions on campus. His remarks reflected the concerns raised by some Opposition leaders over the organisation’s activities at JNU.
AAP MP Sanjay Singh also commented on the event, alleging that such programmes were possible because of the protection and support extended by the government and police.
“When the government provides protection, all kinds of programmes take place. So, they are also doing their own programme. They have the protection of the police and the government everywhere,” Singh said.
The exchange has brought competing views on the RSS’s campus activities into focus, with the organisation defending the march as a democratic expression and Opposition leaders questioning its implications for JNU’s academic atmosphere.
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