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Business News/ Politics / Policy/  FTII students hold protest at Jantar Mantar
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FTII students hold protest at Jantar Mantar

Over 80 students held protest against Gajendra Chauhan's appointment as FTII's chairman

FTII students at the Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Photo: Ramesh Pathania/Mint Premium
FTII students at the Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. Photo: Ramesh Pathania/Mint

New Delhi: Over 80 students of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) on Monday held a protest at the Jantar Mantar in New Delhi against the appointment of Gajendra Chauhan as the institute’s chairman. The protest which had a backing of different student organisations including National Students’ Union Of India (NSUI) entered its 53rd day today.

“It has been more than 50 days that we have been protesting. So, our purpose of coming to Delhi is that we should be heard. We had written to leaders from various political parties requesting them to intervene and urge the government to revoke the appointments of ‘unfit’ people and to set up a transparent procedure for future appointments. Only Rahul Gandhi has replied and come forward," said a student protester.

“The government is waging an ideological war against us. FTII will not bow to any political pressure. Government must initiate a dialogue," said another student. Congress MP Raj Babbar, Janata Dal (United) leader K.C. Tyagi on Monday also participated in the protest and backed the students. They along with Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Mohammad Salim, Congress leader Rajiv Shukla, Communist Party of India leader D. Raja, Nationalist Congress Party leader D.P. Tripathi collectively released a statement expressing their support.

“Their protests are rightful and Gajendra Chauhan has raised grave questions regarding the logic and process followed in the selection procedure," the statement read. The FTII students association had sent a letter to minister of state for information and broadcasting Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore on Sunday requesting him to start a positive dialogue on the issue. The students have been protesting against Chauhan’s appointment due to his affiliation to the Bharatiya Janata Party and his lack of experience and stature.

Meanwhile, Rathore accused Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi of giving political colour to the stir. Gandhi had visited FTII last week and interacted with the protesting students while promising to support their cause. The minister of state for information and broadcasting said the government was open to discussions with the agitating students but was against politicising the issue.

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Published: 03 Aug 2015, 04:12 PM IST
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