An elocution competition based on the theme “Voice of Devendra” at Savitribai Phule Pune University has been called off following protests by the student union and activists.

The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) and other student activists objected to the university for allowing the competition, alleging it aimed at promoting an individual along with pushing a particular ideology.

Following the uproar over “Voice of Devendra,” which protestors claimed was based on Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, university officials stated that the scheduled program has been cancelled. “The university has no role as it had not organised the competition. It was a Nashik-based organisation that planned the event on campus. We have cancelled the program,” one of the officials told the media.