John Brittas seeks President’s intervention as JNU students’ hunger strike enters 17th day

John Brittas, along with a group of people with National Flags seen at Connaught Place on October 16, 2026 | Photo Credit: SHASHI SHEKHAR KASHYAP

CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas has sought the intervention of President Droupadi Murmu and Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi over the indefinite hunger strike by JNU students, which entered its 17th day on Monday (October 19, 2026), citing deteriorating health of the participants.

In letters written on Sunday (October 18), Mr. Brittas sought revocation of the rustication orders against elected Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) representatives, withdrawal of alleged objectionable provisions of the Chief Proctor's Office (CPO) Manual and expeditious resolution of students' grievances.

In a post on X, Mr. Brittas said, "The indefinite hunger strike by JNU students (is) now in its 17th day, and the deteriorating health of the participants demand urgent intervention."