Political graffiti demanding the release of jailed activist Umar Khalid and featuring slogans supporting Naxalbari has surfaced on the walls of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) in Delhi. The graffiti has triggered a political controversy, with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) accusing left-wing student organisations of being involved. The development comes days after similar slogans, including ‘Free Kashmir’ and ‘Free Sharjeel Imam’, were reportedly found painted on the walls of Jamia Millia Islamia.

According to the ABVP, photographs circulating online purportedly show political messages alongside a portrait of Hindutva ideologue Veer Savarkar. The student organisation has alleged that some of the messages were objectionable and described the graffiti as an attempt to disturb the academic environment on campus.

The allegations have not independently established who wrote the slogans. JNU officials have reportedly said that the administration is looking into the matter.

ABVP Seeks Action Against Those Responsible
The ABVP has urged the JNU administration to investigate the incident, identify those responsible and take appropriate action. The organisation described the graffiti as unconstitutional and alleged that such activities could disrupt peace and normal academic life on campus.

The student group also linked the incident to recent remarks by All India Students’ Association (AISA) president Neha Bora, who has publicly called for Umar Khalid’s release. The ABVP criticised Khalid and alleged that the slogans reflected a broader effort by left-wing student groups to create unrest. These remain allegations made by the student organisation.

Sources cited by Times Now said the university administration would not tolerate graffiti intended to disturb peace on campus.

Similar Slogans Reportedly Found at Jamia
The JNU incident follows the discovery of political slogans on the walls of Jamia Millia Islamia. Messages reportedly included ‘Free Kashmir’, ‘Free Sharjeel Imam’, ‘RSS Go Back’ and ‘VC Go Back’.

The identity of those responsible for the Jamia graffiti remains unclear. University sources cited by Times Now said the administration had taken note of the incident.

According to the report, CCTV footage related to the incident could not be recovered because wires connecting the surveillance cameras were found cut. It remains unclear who was responsible for the damage or the graffiti.

Campus Administrations Reviewing the Incidents
The two incidents have drawn attention to political expression and campus discipline at Delhi’s universities. While student organisations have made allegations regarding the messages, the identities of those responsible have not been conclusively established in the information available.

Further action will depend on the findings of the respective university administrations and any subsequent investigation.