Ever since “Dalit” Rohith Vemula’s “suicide” hit the news cycle, student suicides have become the favourite topic of discussion for media. Even when Delhi CM Kejriwal made his opportunistic speech in Hyderabad, he tried to spin the issue into “Modi Government vs Students all over India” probably in the hope of mobilizing that vote-bank in his favour. Now Rajdeep Sardesai, who has advised Kejriwal on “theatrics” in the past, also tried to raise a similar pitch on Twitter.
A few days back, three girl students of SVS Yoga Medical College in Tamil Nadu committed suicide accusing the administration of charging excess fees and “torture”, and blaming college chairman Vasuki Subramanian for their death.
Rajdeep quickly jumped to this opportunity to lay the responsibility at the HRD Ministry’s doorstep:
Shouldn’t there be greater outrage over TN college suicides? Hope HRD minister @smritiirani acts against fraud colleges.
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) January 28, 2016
The minister was quick to respond and clarify that HRD ministry had no jurisdiction:
@sardesairajdeep Sir concerned college under jurisdiction of State. My ministry has no jurisdiction.
— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) January 28, 2016
But Sardesai persisted, since the first attempt had failed, he tried to shift goalposts:
Yes, TN govt is primary responsibility. But accreditation came through HRD? https://t.co/ejsGMxCUsj
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) January 28, 2016
And he failed again:
@sardesairajdeep no Sir not thru ministry.I know you wish to pin at least something on me but wish u cud research better.
— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) January 28, 2016
It was time for damage control then:
Far from it. I have high expectations from you. The HRD/health ministry needs to act against pvt unaided colleges. https://t.co/ok8AeRgIOa
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) January 28, 2016
And then a suggestion to subvert Federalism so that some other media house can raise the issue of Central Government interfering with states?
State govts are compromised bec of local interests. you can deliver! All the best with all sincerity. https://t.co/ok8AeRgIOa
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) January 28, 2016
Am sure entire student/parent/media will support in mission for more accountable regulator @TVMohandasPai can help. https://t.co/ok8AeRgIOa
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) January 28, 2016
But alls well that ends well they say:
@sardesairajdeep Sir bahut jald ek aur interview karenge. Aapke sabhi sawalon ka ek baar phir jawab dene ka prayas karungi, shubhratri.
— Smriti Z Irani (@smritiirani) January 28, 2016
