Pune: IISER Cancels Ambedkar Jayanti Event After ABVP Alleges 'Tukde Tukde Gang' And 'Maoist Links' Of Speakers, And 'Urban Naxal' Books In Exhibition

Pune’s Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) has cancelled its Mukti Parva event marking Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar’s birth anniversary. The decision followed the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad's (ABVP) claims that several radical individuals, reportedly linked to Maoist movements and to what they referred to as the 'Tukde Tukde gang', had been invited.

The ABVP delegation met with Pune Police Zone 4 Deputy Commissioner Himmat Jadhav and IISER Director Dr. Sunil Bhagwat. The ABVP had urged action to prevent "controversial and radical speakers from participating in the event to maintain social harmony and public order."

Days after an alleged controversy over slogans during the Pride Month celebration, Pune’s IISER found itself embroiled in controversy once again.

The institute has informed that the event has been cancelled. However, the administration stated that the detailed version and statement of the institute will be issued soon.

At IISER Pune, the event Mukti Parva was organised to mark the birth anniversary of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar. This programme had been scheduled from April 2 to 14.

The ABVP had, however, claimed that "many radical individuals who are reportedly active in Maoist movements had been invited."

The ABVP delegation, which met DCP Himmat Jadhav, submitted their letter demanding that "controversial and radical individuals be barred from attending the event at IISER, in order to preserve social harmony and public order."

ABVP claims books by 'Urban Naxals' was to be displayed

In a press release issued, ABVP said, "Due to this programme, there was a high possibility of creating a rift in society through separatist, religious, and casteist criticism during the event, potentially leading to a law and order situation."

They also claimed that several books by writers accused of being "urban naxals" were to be put up for display, and an exhibition and sale of these books were also going to be organised during Mukti Parva.

"What exactly is the IISER administration aiming to achieve by inviting those with alleged links to the 'Tukde Tukde gang' and supporters of anti-national Maoist ideologies into an academic environment? What message is being sent by providing a platform to the same radical elements whose leftist ideologies Babasaheb Ambedkar himself opposed throughout his life?" the student organisation added.

ABVP also claimed that, during Mukti Parva last year, several students raised objections over controversial religious and casteist statements made during the event.

In addition, ABVP had submitted a representation to IISER Director Dr. Sunil Bhagwat, demanding that such programs be permitted only after verifying the credentials of the invited speakers. The group warned that failing to do so could result in student unrest.

Atharva Kulkarni, State Minister, ABVP West Maharashtra Province, said, "Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar's birth anniversary should be celebrated in all educational institutions. But it is unfortunate that those accused of being involved in anti-national movements were invited as speakers and guests in the Mukti Parva programme at IISER in Pune. IISER is a prestigious and renowned educational institution, and by inviting radical Maoists and casteists, the image of the institution and the ideology of Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar were tarnished. These objectionable speakers should have been restricted and law and order should have been maintained."

Recently, after the contraversy, IISER denied allegations that “anti-Hindu” and “pro-terrorism” slogans were raised during its annual Pride march organised by Satrangi, the campus LGBTQIA+ collective, on Apr 6.

IISER Pune was made by Central government for promotion of science. But the director Sunil Bhagwat instead is allowing THIS anti Hindu pro terrorism display deliberately on the day of #Ramnavmi!

Then everyone wonders why China is ahead 🙄 pic.twitter.com/DqsRGapRbX

— Eminent Intellectual (@total_woke_) April 6, 2025

In response, IISER Pune issued a clarification on its official X handle, stating that no religious or anti-national slogans were raised during the event. “The term azadi was used in the context of freedom from prejudice against the LGBTQ community,” the post read, emphasising that the march was a peaceful initiative by students to promote inclusivity.