Anupam Guha, a professor at IIT Bombay, is facing criticism after voicing support for Indian American student Megha Vemuri, who was recently barred from attending her graduation ceremony at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Vemuri, the president of MIT’s Class of 2025, was reportedly prevented from participating after delivering a pro-Palestine speech during an official event on 29 May 2025.

In a post on X, Guha commented, “That MIT student has courage and did an admirable thing. At her age, I might not have gone that far.” His statement quickly gained widespread attention and sparked debate online.

Following this, Guha has come under scrutiny not just for this specific statement, but also for his broader history of political commentary and activism. Critics argue that he frequently uses his academic position to promote leftist political ‘extremist’ ideologies, especially through his focus on humanities and technology policy.

Guha has previously supported several controversial protests, including the 2018 anti-Sterlite agitation in Tamil Nadu. That movement led to the permanent closure of the Sterlite copper plant after violent demonstrations resulted in the deaths of 13 people. The shutdown significantly impacted India’s copper production, turning the country from a net exporter to a net importer.

In his post, he wrote, “Capitalism cannot function without State terrorism. Perfect example of that is the Sterlite protest. My solidarity with the tens of thousands of brave protestors resisting for years that copper smelting plant resulting in nine martyrs. Down with Vedanta!”

In addition, Guha has been vocal in his opposition to the revocation of Article 370 in 2019, which ended Jammu and Kashmir’s special constitutional status. He described the move as “constitutionally illegitimate.”

In his post, he stated, “Read this sharp and detailed explainer by @MaLawdy on why what happened is most probably constitutionally illegitimate firstpost.com/india/understa…”

Guha is also associated with the Kosambi Circle, a Communist group he founded that explores Marxist and revolutionary political thought. The group engages with works by thinkers such as M.N. Roy and M.P.T. Acharya.

His social media activity during the anti-Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC) protests in 2020 also drew attention. Guha actively participated in campus demonstrations and encouraged IIT Bombay students to join a march “to save the Constitution.”

He stated, “For the last 8 days the faculty, students, staff and people in IITB have protested in a row, against NRC-CAA-NPR and against the brutality done on various campuses. There were teach ins, songs, and discussions. Today will be the last protest and a march. Come in large numbers.”

Furthermore, Guha has written so much that reflects Marxist and separatist perspectives on the Kashmir issue, including writings by authors like Aatina Nasir Malik and Khadeeja Raina, which explore themes of childhood and violence in conflict zones.

Anupam Guha, a humanities professor at IIT Bombay, also expressed strong opposition to the use of the term ‘tukde tukde gang’, going so far as to label those who use it as akin to terrorists in his view.

Guha wrote, “Not just an enabler. A participant in stochastic terrorism.” In another post he stated, “They are quite adept at destroying data. Everything must be archived. And yes, one day the whole lot will be prosecuted.”

In related threads, Guha’s involvement with The Collective, a communist organization, is also noted. He has been a speaker at their events, including a workshop held on International Working Women’s Day that focused on systemic issues in labor and employment.

The Collective also had a problem with Maoist neutralisation that took place recently. They called it ‘Adivasi genocide’!. On their handle, they wrote, “We will not forget the extrajudicial killing of CPI (Maoist) General Secretary Com. Nambala Keshava Rao (Basavaraj) and 26 martyrs amid call for ceasefire and peace talks! Stop Adivasi genocide for corporate plunder in the name of Operation Kagaar!”

Anupam Guha openly identifies as a communist and is accused of using his academic platform to advocate for radical ideological positions.