CT Ravi calls for renaming of JNU as Swami Vivekananda University
Bengaluru: Former Karnataka Minister and newly appointed national General Secretary of the BJP, CT Ravi on Tuesday triggered controversy after he called for renaming of the historic Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).
CT Ravi proposed that the university be renamed after Swami Vivekananda.
"It was Swami Vivekananda who stood for the idea of 'Bharat'. His philosophy and values signify the ‘strength of Bhara’. It is only right that Jawaharlal Nehru University is renamed Swami Vivekananda University. Life of Bharat’s patriotic saint will inspire generations to come” Ravi said.
Just four days ago, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had virtually unveiled a statue of Swami Vivekananda on the JNU campus and asserted that people may have ideological differences, but ideology should be seen supporting and not opposing the nation in matters of national interest.
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CPI(M) rebel Kunhikrishnan hopes for 5,000-vote win in Payyanur
Kannur (Kerala) (PTI): CPI(M) rebel candidate V Kunhikrishnan, who contested as a UDF-backed Independent from Payyanur here, on Saturday said he was hoping to win the Assembly election by a margin of 5,000 votes.
Kunhikrishnan was expelled from the CPI(M) earlier this year after raising allegations of corruption in the party’s martyrs’ fund against sitting MLA T I Madhusoodanan.
Speaking to a TV channel, Kunhikrishnan said he had announced his candidature as a mark of protest and not with expectations of victory.
However, he said the situation had changed drastically, with a strong undercurrent within CPI(M) votes favouring him.
"The undercurrent in CPI(M) votes cannot be measured. Now people are giving a response indicating victory with a margin of at least 5,000 votes," he said.
Payyanur is considered a CPI(M) stronghold, and a defeat for Madhusoodanan there would be a major setback for the party.
On political violence in Payyanur, Kunhikrishnan said he had been facing it since filing his nomination.
"The people leading this violence should think about how long they can continue it. It is the police which has to take the initiative to stop this violence as part of maintaining law and order. But the police are not intervening at the required level," he said.
Regarding his political future, Kunhikrishnan said efforts were underway to strengthen Left groups, and discussions were being held across Kerala in that regard.
"After discussing with others, a decision will be taken," he said.
Kunhikrishnan is among six former CPI(M) leaders who either exited the party or were suspended before contesting for the UDF in the April 9 Assembly elections.
Elections to the 140-seat Kerala Assembly were held on April 9, and the counting of votes will be held on May 4.
