Amid growing confusion and protests over the proposed transition of colleges in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to a deemed-to-be university, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday convened an emergency press conference to clarify its position and address what it termed as “misinterpretations” circulating among students and the public.
Addressing the media, BJP Andaman and Nicobar Islands president Anil Tiwari, accompanied by party committee members Anshugman Roy, Jijith Rekh and Vivekananda, said his earlier remarks on the deemed university issue were taken “out of context” and used to mislead students.
Tiwari clarified that he had not advocated exclusively for a deemed university but had merely reiterated the benefits of both a deemed and a central university model for the islands. “My statement was meant to encourage an open and informed debate so that all stakeholders, students, parents and the general public, can understand both options before any final decision is taken,” he said. He alleged that a small excerpt of his remarks was selectively highlighted, creating unnecessary confusion and anxiety among students.
During the press conference, the BJP leaders also questioned the credibility of a joint committee forum that has been spearheading protests against the deemed university proposal. The party claimed that although the forum projects itself as a non-political body, it comprises senior Congress leaders and their associates. “If top Congress functionaries are part of the forum, how can it claim to be apolitical?” the BJP leaders asked, calling for transparency about the forum’s composition and intentions.
Reiterating the party’s stance, the BJP leadership said it stands with students and parents and remains committed to safeguarding their academic and financial interests. The party said it would take all necessary steps to ensure that any decision, whether to transition to a deemed university or a central university, is taken only after wider public consultation and in line with public demand.
Anshugman Roy, addressing speculation on social media, categorically denied reports of his resignation from the BJP. “I have not resigned from the party. I stand with the students and their concerns, and I will continue to raise their issues within the party and at appropriate forums,” he said.
The BJP committee also reiterated assurances earlier given by the administration that the fee structure would remain unchanged, countering fears of a sharp hike in tuition fees under the proposed new university framework.
The party urged students to remain calm and not be swayed by what it described as “misinformation”, assuring that their voices would be heard before any final decision on the future of higher education in the islands is taken.
