MSU student breaks down after backlash over dance at ABVP cultural event

A student from the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda (MSU) has responded emotionally after a video of her dancing at the ABVP open-stage campus cultural event went viral, starting a political row and online backlash. Her performance was reportedly labelled ‘abhadra’ and against ‘sanskar ’ by the Congress and NSUI.

The viral video showed the student from the Faculty of Arts performing to the Bollywood song “Dhak Dhak Karne Laga” during the three-day ‘Sanskar Sangam’ cultural event held at the University’s C C Mehta Auditorium. 

As the event was organised by Akhil Bharatiya Vidhyarthi Parishad (ABVP), it drew criticism from the rival student body National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), that termed the performance as ‘obscene’. ABVP reportedly claimed that the student seen in the video was not among the registered participants, and that she took to the stage during a break after seeking permission repeatedly. 

It was also said that the performance was different from what was mentioned earlier, so the music could not be stopped midway. Meanwhile, ABVP has distanced itself from the performance, claiming that 140 students had registered for the event, which featured traditional dance, drama, and cultural activities. NSUI on the other hand demanded strict action and warned of protests if no steps were taken.

Meanwhile, in a tearful post on social media, the student speaks of the emotional toll following the massive backlash she has faced from both the student unions. How they have created a massive issue of a small thing. She has also apologised for the song selection. 

The student has already faced an account suspension that led her to open a new account after she posted the video. Moreover, she said that people are accusing her of wearing a ‘bhagwa’ (saffron) saree to which she defended herself by showing her yellow saree.