20 injured in DU clashes over invite to Umar, Shehla

New Delhi: Violent clashes broke out on Wednesday between members of RSS-backed ABVP and Left-affiliated AISA in Delhi University’s Ramjas College over cancellation of a seminar invite to JNU students Umar Khalid and Shehla Rashid. Nearly 20 teachers and students were reportedly injured in the clashes. Over 100 protestors were detained and later let off.

Former AAP leader Yogendra Yadav-led Swaraj India on Wednesday announced its first list of 25 candidates for the upcoming municipal polls in the city, with the women and youth getting a major chunk. The party also skipped the process of choosing candidates on the lines of the US primaries, saying the method was not pragmatic.

“We have given priority to the women and the youth while selecting the candidates. Of the 25 candidates declared today, 11 are women and among them, two have been fielded from general seat, which is not reserved for women. Seven candidates are below the age of 35,” Swaraj India’s general secretary Ajit Jha said.

The candidates, announced by the party, have a varied educational background from an eight-standard pass to a dentist. Swaraj India spokesperson Anupam said that the candidates were chosen without compromising on three Cs — corruption, crime and character.

Among the candidates, some had participated in the anti- graft movement by Anna Hazare, while others are former members of the AAP, Congress or BJP. Kalpana Jha, an independent councillor from Sangam Vihar, has also been fielded from the same ward.

Of the 25 candidates, 10 would be contesting from wards in North MCD, 12 from South MCD and three from the East MCD wards.

Formed on October 2016, Swaraj India plans to field candidates on all wards for the MCD polls, which is likely to be held in April this year.