JNU cancels seminars featuring Palestinian, Lebanese, Iranian envoys
New Delhi: Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has cancelled three seminars, originally scheduled to be addressed by the ambassadors of Iran, Palestine, and Lebanon, on ongoing West Asian conflicts. University sources cited "unavoidable circumstances" for the cancellation, but declined to provide further details.
The seminars, part of JNU's Centre for West Asian Studies series, were to include separate addresses by Iranian Ambassador Dr. Iraj Elahi, Palestinian Ambassador Adnan Abu Al-Haija, and Lebanese Ambassador Dr. Rabie Narsh. An email from seminar coordinator Sima Baidya informed students of the cancellations hours before the first seminar with Dr. Elahi was set to begin.
According to sources at the Iranian and Lebanese embassies, the decision came from the university, and they were unaware of specific reasons. The Palestinian Embassy did not respond to inquiries.
University insiders suggested that concerns over potential campus protests on these sensitive topics influenced the cancellations. Senior faculty members at JNU’s School of International Studies (SIS) reportedly voiced apprehensions regarding the events’ impact amid the current geopolitical climate. Dean Amitabh Mattoo reinforced the need for diplomatic protocol and coordination with the university administration before inviting high-level foreign officials to public events.
Chairperson Sameena Hameed of the Centre for West Asian Studies clarified that the Palestinian and Lebanese seminars were not officially scheduled by the Centre. She added that the Iranian event was postponed due to last-minute logistical challenges.
Despite the cancellations, Hameed reassured that JNU remains committed to hosting ambassadors from these regions in the future for academic discussions on pressing global issues.
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Sujit Nair raises concerns over speculation of DMK-AIADMK understanding to block TVK
Chennai: Journalist and political commentator Sujit Nair has expressed concern over speculation that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam could explore a post-poll understanding to prevent Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam from forming the government in Tamil Nadu.
In a social media post, Sujit Nair said the election verdict in Tamil Nadu reflected a clear public demand for political change and argued that the mandate should be respected irrespective of political preferences.
Referring to reports and political discussions surrounding a possible understanding between the DMK and AIADMK, he said he hoped such developments remained only speculative conversations and did not turn into reality.
Nair stated that if such an alliance were to take shape, it would raise serious questions about ideological politics in the country. He said TVK had emerged through a democratic electoral process and that the legitimacy to govern in a parliamentary democracy comes from the people’s verdict.
According to him, attempts to prevent an electoral winner from forming the government through unexpected political arrangements may be constitutionally valid, but many people could view them as politically opportunistic.
He further said that such a move could particularly affect the political image of the DMK, which has historically projected itself around ideology, social justice and opposition politics. Nair said that in ideological terms, the DMK appeared closer to TVK than to the AIADMK, and joining hands with its long-time political rival only to remain in power could weaken its broader political narrative.
He added that the same questions would apply to the AIADMK as well, as the party had spent decades positioning itself against the DMK and such an arrangement could create discomfort among its cadre and supporters.
Drawing a comparison with Maharashtra politics in 2019, Nair said he had expressed similar views when the Shiv Sena formed an alliance with the Indian National Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party after the Assembly elections.
He said post-poll alliances between long-standing political rivals often create a public perception that ideology and electoral mandates become secondary when political power equations come into play.
Nair also said such developments increase public cynicism towards politics and reinforce the belief among voters that ideology is often sidelined after elections.
He maintained that the Tamil Nadu verdict was emphatic and said respecting both the spirit and substance of the mandate was important for the credibility of democratic politics.
