Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, Oct 3: In the wake of cancellation of polls in Vani Vihar following unrest, students of Ekamra College have planned to gherao Lingaraj Railway station Saturday anticipating elections in their college are likely to be scrapped.
Ekamra College administrators Friday decided to cancel student union elections and opt for a selection process. “Usually, our college does not indulge in any violent activities but this time we have planned to do away with elections in our college,” said a college official here.
Meanwhile, the students who were gearing up for elections are disturbed by the decision of the college authorities. “We will not let this happen. The students union election is our democratic right. There has to be elections for knowledge and betterment of the college,” said a student leader.
Students have protested the decision on the campus Friday and further decided to detain trains passing through Lingaraj Railway Station.
“We have informed the authorities of our decision to stop the trains. We want our demands conceded,” said a student.
Meanwhile, three groups of students from Utkal University went to Raj Bhawan and handed over a memoranda addressed to Governor SC Jamir Friday expressing their displeasure over the university’s decision to scrap elections.
“Cancellation of student union polls is unconstitutional and undemocratic and it is injustice against the students. We urge you to take necessary steps in this regard and instruct Utkal University authorities to reconsider the decision to cancel student union elections,” stated the memorandum of Biju Chhatra Janata Dal to the Governor.
Election notification
Bhubaneswar: As per schedules prepared by higher education department for elections to student union polls, colleges in the state will notify the election programme Saturday. Some institutions like Vani Vihar (Utkal University) and Ekamra College have already decided not to conduct elections while a few others like BJB Autonomous College and Maharishi College of Natural Law will decide on the same Saturday and simultaneously put notices accordingly.
