JNU Row: Not a politician, but a student, says Kanhaiya Kumar

New Delhi: Amidst speculation on his political ambitions, JNUSU President Kanhaiya Kumar yesterday said he has no intention of joining mainstream politics or contesting any election. The PhD student, who is facing sedition charge, also said that Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru was a citizen of India and a debate on his death penalty is 'legitimate'.

A student hugs Kanhaiya before he addressed a gathering at the JNU campus on Thursday night after his release from Tihar jail the same evening. Pic/PTI

He said Guru is not his 'idol' but Rohith Vemula, the Hyderabad University student who committed suicide, is.

"I am not a politician, I am a student. I have no intention of joining mainstream politics or contesting any election. I want to question as a student and I will like to answer as a teacher in the future. So, the question about my political ambitions should be kept aside, he said.

Commenting on Afzal guru, he said Guru was a citizen of the country punished under the law and whether that punishment was right or wrong, anyone can debate that as the law permits the same.

Rajnath steps aside
Home Minister Rajnath Singh yesterday washed his hands off the ongoing probe by the Delhi Police on the alleged anti-India activities in the JNU. "Whatever the Delhi Police has to do, they are doing. I have nothing to say on that," he told media persons.

'Modi losing connect with youth'
Celebrated author Chetan Bhagat, who has long been speaking in favour of the BJP government, yesterday said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was losing popularity because of his disconnect with the youth of India. "You know PM is losing connect with the youth when a young student's speech from JNU is being talked about more than any Mann Ki Baat," Bhagat tweeted.