Bhubaneswar: The Biju Chhatra Janata Dal (BCJD), the student wing of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), on Monday accused the BJP government in Odisha of misusing the administrative machinery to favour the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) in student union elections, alleging political interference, intimidation of candidates and irregularities in the polling process.
Addressing a press conference here, BCJD president Ipsita Sahu and media coordinator Lenin Mohanty alleged that BJP ministers, legislators and MPs were entering college and university campuses to campaign for ABVP candidates in violation of the Lyngdoh Commission guidelines.
Sahu referred to an alleged audio clip linked to Ramadevi Women’s University assistant professor Sanjay Routray, in which the Chief Minister’s name was reportedly invoked in connection with efforts to ensure an ABVP victory. She demanded a clarification from the Chief Minister’s Office and the BJP, besides Routray’s suspension and a high-level inquiry into the matter.
The BCJD leaders alleged that student union elections at Nayagada College were cancelled after BCJD candidates were poised to win unopposed. They also accused teachers of campaigning for ABVP candidates at Khallikote University and BJP legislators of canvassing for the organisation at Fakir Mohan University, allegedly in violation of election guidelines.
Sahu further alleged that a candidate at Pipili College was threatened and assaulted by BJP supporters. She accused the state government of deploying administrative and police machinery to benefit ruling-party candidates and undermine students’ democratic rights.
Mohanty alleged that the elections had been announced in haste to divert public attention from discontent over government policies, including the MMDR Act and alleged errors in school textbooks. He also expressed concern over the alleged collection of confidential information about women students at Ramadevi Women’s University and demanded a probe.
The BCJD leaders further alleged that money and criminal elements were being used to influence the elections and sought an investigation into the charges and action against those found responsible.
Claiming that its candidates had already won in 100 colleges, the BCJD said it expected further victories despite the alleged interference. The student organisation called for free and fair elections across educational institutions in the state.
