Protesting the 'Poisonous Kiss': Expelled MPs and Teachers Rally for Societal Liberalization

New Delhi - A wave of discontent and urgency surged through the Press Club of India recently, as expelled Members of Parliament and dismissed teachers gathered to address the pressing issues surrounding the mass displacement of educators at Delhi University.

Organized as a Press Conference, the event brought together various groups, politicians, and prominent speakers who expressed solidarity with the teachers' movement, emphasizing that the struggle is far from over.

Amid slogans echoing the sentiments of a "Poisonous Kiss" and the "Urgency to Liberalize Society," the speakers shed light on the deteriorating state of the education system and the broader impact on society. The event featured notable figures such as Prof. and MP Manoj Jha, Sr. Advocate and MP P. Wilson, MP Dr. L. Hanumanthaiah, Rajendra Pal Gautam, Dr. Jitendra Meena, Prof. Apoorvanand, Prof. Hemlata Maheshwari, Dr. Ratan Lal, Dr. Maya John, Prof. Nandita Narain, Prof. D.K. Lobiyal, and Prof. N. Sukumar.

The Members of Parliament drew parallels with their expulsion and the state of the professors at Delhi University. Professor Manoj Jha pointed to the amusing fact that most people at the table were the ones who were expelled, some from universities and some from the parliament. He said, “During the Modi Raj, wrestlers are being forced to leave wrestling, teachers are being forced to stop teaching, members of parliament are being forced out of the Sansad. This is the impact of Modi’s ‘Mother of Democracy.’ Let me remind you all that this is the same person who kissed the steps to the parliament before entering the house for the first time. And that kiss has proved to be so poisonous that it is engulfing every aspect of society.”

P Wilson, Sr. Advocate at the Supreme Court of India and MP at Rajya Sabha, one of the few remaining MPs not suspended, provided solidarity to the teachers' protest. He said, “We all have a common agenda this evening. The ruling party wants to make sure no important position is held by SC/ST/OBCs. Only the ones blessed by RSS and BJP will be able to access those seats.” The MP continued, “2024 will be an important time for all of us. We had fought for independence in 1947. In a similar manner, we need to fight to liberalize society.”

Various professors took the center stage while highlighting the issues in the institution. Dr. Laxman Yadav asked, “As a citizen, we have the right to know the process of the recruitment of teachers and if it is being handled with transparency. The authorities are so corrupted that people are being nitpicked to be thrown out and people with certain ideologies and affiliations, but less merit are being appointed. I am not the only victim here, but thousands of professors like me are facing the brunt. The 1.5-2-minute interviews happen where not even 2 questions are asked but are supposed to determine your whole career.”

Dr. Ratan Lal challenged the university at the Press Club to make the biodata of all newly appointed teachers and the principals public. Taking a dig at his own college’s principal, the professor said, “Go to the website and check Hindu College’s professors’ biodata. We publish books and articles for mass consumption, but they keep their publications hidden.”

Dr Jitendra Meena said, “During the conception of this nation, our ancestors dreamt of the citizens enjoying an equal status irrespective of their caste, creed, and gender. It was thought that the scientific temperament of the people will be developed. But, even after 75 years of Independence, we can observe different political parties using institutions as a ‘political tool’. The loss is being faced by the people. From Prof. Chandrasekhar to Prof. Vikram Harijana, we are observing discrimination because of one’s identities.”

Dr. Maya John added, “Let me try to put the appointments that have been happening for the teaching staff in the last 10 months into a larger context. In the whole process, there is a massive amount of corruption and political cronyism. People with political connections to the ruling party are going through the process in an easy manner whereas the ad-hoc professors who have been teaching for years are left out in the lurch.” The teacher added, “Students are writing applications to principals stating that the appointees are not being able to teach.”

Dr. Ritu Singh took the stage to let people know of her battle. She said, “Most of you might know me and my struggle. It has been 116 days since my protest. The principal of Daulat Ram College, who was responsible for my illegal removal has a charge sheet filed against her under SC/ST Atrocities act. Yet, it is me who is out on the street and not her.” She added, “We have the tag of our caste attached to us and they do not like when we move up the professional ladder, challenging the status quo. Kya kare, ye jaati nahi jaati (What to do, this caste does not go away).”