Tensions escalated surrounding the upcoming college elections in Odisha after the Student Congress held a press conference today in Bhubaneswar, alleging deliberate foul play by the state government and ruling party to derail opposition candidates.
Addressing reporters, former MLA and OPCC Vice President Dr. Debasish Pattnayak criticized the government’s dual standards regarding campus polls. He claimed the state announced elections on extremely short notice after secretly allowing the ruling party’s student wing, ABVP, time to prepare. He further alleged that various unauthorised tactics are now being deployed to ensure an unfair victory for ABVP candidates across campuses.
Adding weight to the allegations, Student Congress President Bibhuti Bhushan Mohapatra expressed strong resentment over the disqualification of their candidates during the nomination process.
“The government announced elections just seven days in advance, giving a clear edge to their student wing while making it challenging for others. Despite the hurdle, we accepted the challenge,” Mohapatra stated. “However, during nomination scrutiny, our candidates’ forms were rejected, citing a 75% attendance requirement. We ask the Higher Education Minister: if such a rule was mandatory, why was it not declared in advance? Had we been informed beforehand, our candidates would have filed accordingly.”
Mohapatra accused the authorities of withholding the attendance criteria on purpose to pave a clear path for ABVP. He also highlighted growing concerns regarding campus safety, alleging that non-students instigated by ABVP are attacking genuine students, while local police remain silent spectators instead of offering protection.
Questioning the state administration’s motives, Mohapatra asked, “Why is the government so terrified of fair student elections? Are they afraid that an ABVP defeat will expose the falling popularity of the ruling party?”
