Laxmi Sharma, a student claiming to be from Galgotias University, has apologised on X for protesting along with fellow students against the Congress party without having an understanding of the ground reality.
We didn't know it was propaganda: Galgotias University student
In a post on X, Sharma, who appears to be from Galgotias University, said, "We have realised our mistakes. We didn't know it was propaganda; we were only told that we would get a chance to meet Kangana Ranaut."
She alleged, "University management forced us to gather & handed us those placards. We are apolitical mostly, but we were promised to give full internal marks by the management."
Sharma also claimed that the management of the university allegedly told students that they would get a chance to meet Kangana Ranaut, who has recently joined politics, if students gave out a strong statement against the Congress.
In her X post, she also claimed that the students were unaware of the ground reality.
After the controversy erupted, Sharma shared that students had removed all photos of them protesting on X.
How did this controversy start?
A video has been going viral on social media showing an Aaj Tak journalist interviewing students of Galgotias University as they marched towards the Congress headquarters in Delhi to protest against ongoing controversial issues regarding inheritance tax and wealth distribution. None of the students could provide concrete answers to the questions posed by the reporter. According to Aaj Tak, all the students were from Greater Noida's Galgotias University.
The Free Press Journal could not immediately verify that Laxmi Sharma is/was a student from Galgotias University but her comments on X have gone viral, and garnered support from several users assuming she may be a student from the varsity.
Netizens react
After the video report went viral on social media, netizens expressed concern about the state of education and awareness among students. Many trolled the students for their lack of understanding of political issues and ground reality, especially during the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.
Many raised questions on why the authorities of private-run Galgotias University allowed and organised a protest march for students towards the head office of a political party.
Roshan Rai, an X user who has been outspoken about the students' march, lauded Laxmi Sharma for admitting her mistake and advised her to better concentrate on her studies. "Takes guts to admit. Great that you realised your mistake, go back and focus on studies. All the best for your future", he commented.
Another X user wrote, "I appreciate your honesty. It's not the students' fault. It's the management that is to be blamed". Sharma responded, "We are being called fools. We are all troubled over this; one day has changed our lives".
Commenting on the university, an X user said that apart from the flop BJP propaganda, the third-grade education imparted by the university also got exposed. "Who will employ you now?", he asked.
Netizens demand strict action against spread of propaganda
Another user commented, tagging the legal cell of the Indian National Congress asking them to take strict action against spreading propaganda during elections.
Several X users criticised Sharma. An X user wrote, "On one hand you claim to be political, on the other, you say that you are completely unaware of ground reality of politics. You wouldn't be apologizing, if not for the backlash". There is a lesson here for all who follow directions blindly, he added, saying "You are young & should be forgiven".
