The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) today launched a scathing attack on the Odisha State Government following the decision to cancel student union elections and force campus shutdowns across various colleges and universities in the state.
Addressing a press conference at the party’s central headquarters, ‘Sankha Bhawan’, in Bhubaneswar, BJD leaders termed the government’s move a direct “attack on the democratic rights of the student community.”
Key Highlights of the BJD Press Conference:
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Unwavering Support for Student Protests: Expressing deep concern over the situation, BJD extended its full support to students staging road blockades and demonstrations across various regions, including Bhubaneswar and Govindapalli. The party alleged that arbitrary actions by the state administration were solely responsible for creating unrest among students.
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Stop Arbitrary Campus Shutdowns: BJD strongly criticised the practice of declaring indiscriminate sine-die (indefinite campus shutdowns) over isolated incidents of tension. The party urged the state government to restore a normal democratic atmosphere in educational institutions immediately.
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Fear of Defeat Behind Cancellation: The BJD claimed that candidates backed by the Biju Chhatra Janata Dal (BCJD) were leading comfortably and set for uncontested victories in several colleges prior to the decision. The party alleged that the government cancelled the elections out of fear of an impending loss.
Warning the administration against derailing student leadership in higher education, the BJD demanded an immediate review of the decision to restore democratic processes on campuses across Odisha.
