Post MP’s objection, anti-drug rally venue shifted out of Amritsar varsity

The Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU) authorities have decided to relocate the CM’s Drug Roko Rally event, which was initially scheduled to take place on the university’s sports ground.

The event, slated for May 2, will feature Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who will address sarpanches and members of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) regarding the state government’s anti-drug campaign. The decision to shift the venue of the rally comes after Amritsar MP Gurjeet Singh Aujla raised objections to the political event being held on the university’s sports field. On Friday evening, Aujla voiced his concerns on social media, stating that converting a sports playground into a political venue was inappropriate.

In his post, Aujla wrote, “The AAP government at Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, has destroyed the playground of students and athletes for the anti-drug rally. A political stage is being constructed above the athletics track. It is important to note that the university has won the Maka Trophy a record 25 times and currently, students are using this track for practical exams and final papers. What kind of change is this?”

He further expressed frustration, saying, “Students’ playgrounds should not be destroyed for political rallies. Unfortunately, there will be no practice on this track for a long time. We strongly condemn the use of the university’s sports infrastructure for political propaganda. The university is a temple of knowledge and excellence, not a platform for political spectacles.”

Sports coaches mentioned that the grass track, which athletes regularly use for training, had been dug up to make way for the skeletal structure of the event tent. This damage would take at least four to six months to recover.

In response to the criticism, GNDU Vice-Chancellor Karamjeet Singh announced the decision to move the event, stating, “We had initially been asked to lend the playground for the event. However, we have now decided that the political event will not be held on the university campus.” This development comes as a relief to the students and athletes who were concerned about the disruption to their training facilities.

Punjab