Kanhaiya Kumar denied entry into public gallery of LC, cries foul

Students’ union president of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Kanhaiya Kumar, who paid a visit to the state legislature on Tuesday, was denied entry into the public gallery of the council despite possessing a pass issued by authorities. Upset at being treated in this manner, Kanhaiya, alleged that it was a deliberate attempt on the part of the government. However, principal secretary of the legislature, Anant Kalse, said that he had no knowledge of the incident.

Mr Kumar, who was in town for a programme of the Peasants and Workers Party (PWP), expressed his desire to witness the ongoing business of the state legislature and PWP MLC Jayant Patil helped him obtain a pass of the council.

However, Kanhaiya claimed that security at the gallery did not allow him inside saying there was some problem with his pass.

“I was made to sit outside for half-an-hour without any reason being given. Later, at around one o’ clock, I was told that the gallery was closed. I wanted to witness the debate on the united Maharashtra issue but could not. They want lawmaking bodies to be inaccessible to the citizens of India,” rued Kanhaiya.

It is learnt that the pass issued to Kanhaiya mentioned that entry was subject to availability of space in the viewers’ gallery. However, the official reason for denying him entry is not known.

When contacted, Mr Kalse said, “I am not aware of the incident. I will seek information on it.”

The security chief and Mr Patil were inaccessible for comment.