Controversy Arises Over Piyush Goyal’s Sons Seminar as Students Alleged Coercion to Attend

Students from Mumbai’s Thakur College have alleged coercion into attending a seminar conducted by Dhruv Goyal, the son of Union Minister Piyush Goyal and BJP’s candidate for the Lok Sabha election in the Mumbai North constituency. A video capturing the incident went viral, wherein a student questioned Dhruv Goyal about the college authorities confiscating their ID cards and mandating their presence at the session. This video was widely shared by Uddhav Sena, leader of Sharad Pawar’s NCP, who serves as the opposition in Maharashtra.

In the footage, students can be seen applauding after the inquiry was made by one of their peers. Former Maharashtra minister Aaditya Thackeray questioned whether the principal should face suspension for such actions, describing it as a “horrible act.” He further criticized the government, stating that such incidents convey a message against democracy. Aaditya highlighted the pressure on students, especially when facing exams, and questioned the relevance of attending lectures by political candidates’ sons in a climate where job opportunities are scarce.

UBT leader Priyanka Chaturvedi expressed hope that the students would not face suspension for voicing their concerns.

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‘I was not aware, I apologize,’ Piyush Goyal’s son says

The college authorities have released a video featuring Dhruv Goyal’s response to the controversy surrounding the seminar, where he expressed his disappointment upon learning that students felt pressured to attend. He extended apologies on behalf of the college administration and commended the bravery of the student who raised concerns during the event.

Shame on the college which first gives platform to a politically affiliated person to create ‘voter awareness’
Makes the students compulsorily attend the event by taking their IDs away
Yet, Thakur College Principal and Management has the audacity to accuse me.
My response to… pic.twitter.com/cMUJlRE7PG

— Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) March 23, 2024

College authorities blame Priyanka Chaturvedi

Thakur College has issued a response regarding the recent controversy surrounding a seminar organized by Piyush Goyal’s son. According to the college, it was Priyanka Chaturvedi who circulated a manipulated video, leading to the misrepresentation of the event. Despite the successful and positive reception of the seminar, Chaturvedi’s actions have unfortunately overshadowed its purpose.

The seminar aimed to encourage first-time voters to engage actively in the upcoming general election. However, the unwarranted controversy sparked by the manipulated video has diverted attention from the event’s objective and achievements.

Priyanka Chaturvedi replies: ‘Own up to your farce’

Priyanka Chaturvedi, a leader of the Uddhav Sena, responded to a press release from the college that had named and blamed her for the controversy. Chaturvedi denied any manipulation of the video and clarified that she had simply shared it from a new handle.

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In her response, Chaturvedi demanded an apology from the college to its students. She also suggested that if the principal possessed any remaining ethics, they should consider resigning from their position. Additionally, she criticized the college’s stance on the voter awareness campaign, emphasizing that such events should not be biased towards any particular political party.

Chaturvedi concluded her statement by urging the college to have the courage to take responsibility for their actions before issuing press releases.