New Delhi: Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad’s protest against live-in relationships did not go well with the students and professors of Delhi University (DU). The protest was seen as a move curbing the freedom of the youth to choose what they think is right for them.
ABVP’s protest at the Faculty of Arts was part of the Union’s campaign to raise awareness about atrocities against women.
Explaining the ideology behind this campaign, Saket Bahuguna, ABVP Delhi Secretary, said “The campaign was to express concern on rising crime against women. And we think that live-in relationships contribute to that because unlike marriage, live-in relationships don’t give financial security to a girl. They are against Indian culture. There are many cases of girl alleging rape by their boyfriends, and that has to stop.â€
However, the students at DU, known for being one of the most progressive in the country, choose to disagree. “Just because some live in relationships end badly doesn’t mean all of them do. Even a marriage could have the same consequences. Maybe they should have sensitising programmes for couples in such relationships, instead of protesting against themâ€, said Yashaswini Sinha, a student at Hindu College.
Professors, too, joined the students in criticising the campaign, labelling the move as ironic.  “It is sad that their idea of protecting women is to curb their freedom. Women should be free to choose what they do with their lives. Such a regressive campaign by the DUSU will not go down well with the women at allâ€, opined Shrestha Jha, a professor at the University.
The ABVP came to power in the DUSU elections two months ago, and has, since then, faced a lot of opposition for not acting upon any real issues that plague DU.