JNU VC Shantishree Dhulipudi Pandit's ‘Dalit victim card’ remark sparks row; says ‘I am Bahujan myself’

NEW DELHI: An alleged casteist remark by JNU vice-chancellor Shantishree Dhulipudi Pandit, that Dalits and Blacks “cannot progress by being permanently a victim or playing the victim card”, has sparked controversy on the campus, with student groups demanding her resignation and calling for a countrywide protest on Saturday. Pandit responded to the allegations by saying she is a Bahujan herself.

The VC made the statement on a podcast published on Feb 16 while speaking about UGC’s 2026 Equity (Anti-Discrimination) Regulations, which seek to address caste-based discrimination in higher educational institutions.

The regulations have been stayed by the Supreme Court following protests by some upper-caste groups.

Misinterpreted: JNU VC
During the podcast, which has been widely circulated on social media, Pandit said: “UGC regulations are unnecessary… UGC regulation is irrational... You cannot progress by being permanently a victim or playing the victim card. This was done for the Blacks; the same thing was brought for Dalits here… the question is, by making somebody the devil, it is not easy to progress... It is a temporary type of drug.”

Pandit told TOI that she had been misinterpreted. “I did not mean that. I meant that wokes have written like this and those who opposed the wokes had this to say about permanent victimhood and imaginary worlds being created,” she said.

On her criticism of the UGC regulations, she said, “When it was criticised, I felt the whole controversy was unnecessary and there is suspicion that due diligence was not put. This is the perception. I am a Bahujan myself.”

In a statement issued on Friday, JNU Students’ Union (JNUSU) condemned what it termed “blatantly casteist statements” and demanded Pandit’s resignation. It alleged that her remarks reflected “a chronology of injustice, caste supremacy and perpetual systemic exclusion in universities and public spaces” and appealed to unions and student organisations across campuses to condemn the statements and participate in the protest call.

The union also objected to her highlighting her association with Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Pandit had said, “I am proud of my affiliations with RSS... It gave me a world view, which is universal and unique. RSS taught (me) appreciation of difference and diversity.”