Bhubaneswar: Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Friday alleged that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has adopted undemocratic means to secure victory of its candidates in the student union elections in higher education institutions across Odisha.   

“BJP MLAs and Ministers are trying to influence the authorities of colleges and universities for favourable results in the student union polls. While the BJP is undermining democracy in the country, it is now attacking democracy in campus politics as well,” said the Naveen Patnaik-led party.   

BJD leader Bhrugu Buxipatra claimed that the state government announced the schedule for the student union polls only after some outfits completed their preparations in this regard. “The BJP government is not conducting student union polls in many higher education institutions, including colleges and universities, as it feels that its student wing will not be able to win the polls. Ministers and MLAs of the ruling party are putting pressure on principals of colleges and Vice Chancellors of universities to ensure the victory of ABVP candidates,” he alleged.   

BJD youth wing president Chinmoy Sahu said the Higher Education Minister must explain why student union elections have been cancelled in 206 colleges across Odisha. “The government has announced that the elections will be conducted in accordance with the guidelines of the Lyngdoh Commission. However, the government itself is openly violating those guidelines,” Sahu alleged.

BJD student wing president Ipsita Sahu claimed that the student union elections used to be conducted in an atmosphere of brotherhood and friendship. But, the situation is totally different under the BJP rule in the state, she said.  

 “While the BJP has earned a reputation across the country as an anti-Gen Z party, it is making every possible effort in Odisha to deprive the younger generation of its rights. The Biju Chhatra Janata Dal (BCJD), therefore, warns the government and the Higher Education Minister to mend their ways. Otherwise, we will be forced to hit the streets on this issue,” She added.