HYDERABAD: Political agitations are hitting Osmania University campus at an increasingly rapid pace relegating students' issues to the background and bringing back the memories of 70s and early 80s when political aggression among students was at its peak.

Whether it is following a political ideology or opposing the alternative, student unions' growing militant attitude indicates that they no longer want to confine themselves to their immediate problems but play an active role in political movements as well. The present political scenario in the State with the Telangana agitation picking up has only fuelled it.

Recently student groups affiliated to the Congress and the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) clashed over burning of effigies of their political adversaries reflecting the rising intolerance. Their belligerent mood doesn't want to see logic or tolerance and this is leading to violent incidents. Senior professors on the campus, however, feel majority of students are aloof to these issues and concentrate on making careers.

A handful of students with political affiliations and ambitions play havoc with the system. "Anyway, all you need is a small group of people to get into the news these days and they are exploiting the media for it. Of course, political situation in the State is helping them," explains a professor. "You cannot compare the present situation with similar political agitations 30 years back," feels a teacher, who has been a student of that era.

Media coverage

Does that mean student unions should not take up causes? "Students' participation in movements is a reality world over. But student unions need to develop democratic approach and give respect to other point of view also," says P.L. Vishweshwer Rao, Principal, Arts College, OU. He too agrees that the media does not present views of the silent majority on the campus. A small group dictates terms because they get media coverage.

Agrees, Nannuri Narsi Reddy, president of Telugu Nadu Students Front (TNSF).

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