The political atmosphere in Nuapada turned volatile on Wednesday following intense protests by the Congress party over the upcoming National College students’ union elections.
Demanding absolute transparency and fairness in the poll process, Congress workers staged demonstrations outside the college gate, resulting in a tense standoff and a physical tussle with the police.
During the protest, senior Congress leader Bharat Rout was detained by the local police and taken to the Nuapada police station. Congress leaders alleged that four police personnel forcefully shoved and pushed Rout into a police vehicle during the detention.
The unrest traces back to serious concerns raised by the Congress party regarding alleged irregularities in student transport. The party questioned the use of a school bus belonging to Gyanajyoti Vidyalaya to ferry students, expressing deep apprehension over potential rigging and unfair practices in the election process.
Despite prolonged discussions extending until 11:00 PM yesterday between party representatives and Sub-Collector Surmi Suren, protests continued unabated today. High-ranking officials, including the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), the Nuapada Police Station Inspector-In-Charge, Gangadhar Meher, and Nuapada Tehsildar, rushed to the spot to maintain law and order.
Prominent leaders participating in the protest included Congress District President Dr Ankit Singhai, Abhishek Mahanand, Narendra Nag, and Kamal Charan Tandi, alongside numerous supporters and party workers.
With the crucial college elections scheduled for tomorrow, October 15, all eyes are now focused on the administration’s next steps to ensure a peaceful and fair voting process.
