Bhubaneswar: The Biju Chhatra Janata Dal (BCJD), the regional party’s student wing, Monday accused the BJP government in Odisha of using the administration to secure electoral gains for the ABVP in student union polls, alleging interference by ruling-party leaders, intimidation of candidates and manipulation of the election process across campuses.
Addressing a press conference here today, BCJD president Ipsita Sahu and media coordinator Lenin Mohanty alleged that BJP ministers, legislators and MPs were entering campuses and campaigning for ABVP candidates in violation of Lyngdoh Commission guidelines.
Sahu cited 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 clarification from the Chief Minister’s Office and the BJP, besides Routray’s suspension and a high-level inquiry into the allegations.
The BCJD leaders alleged that the student union elections at Nayagada College were cancelled after BCJD candidates were set 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 in violation of election guidelines.
Sahu further alleged that BJP supporters had threatened and assaulted a candidate at Pipili College. She accused the government of using administrative and police machinery to favour ruling-party candidates and curtail students’ democratic rights.
Mohanty alleged that the elections had been announced in haste to divert attention from public discontent over government policies, including the MMDR Act and alleged errors in school textbooks. He also raised concerns over the alleged collection of confidential information about women students at Ramadevi University and demanded a probe.
The BCJD leaders further alleged that money and criminal elements were being deployed to influence the polls, demanding an investigation and action against those responsible.
Claiming that its candidates had already won in 100 colleges, the BCJD asserted that they would secure further victories despite the alleged interference. The leaders called for free and fair student union elections across the State.
