BJD Accuses BJP of Manipulating Odisha Student Union Elections, Alleges Democratic Rights Under Threat
Bhubaneswar, Oct 9: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Friday launched a strong attack on the BJP-led Odisha government, alleging large-scale interference in the upcoming student union elections and accusing the ruling party of undermining democratic processes on college campuses.
Addressing a press conference at Sankha Bhavan, senior BJD leaders claimed that government machinery was being misused to secure victories for the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).
They alleged that ministers, MLAs, and administrative authorities were exerting pressure on educational institutions to influence election outcomes.
BJD Senior General Secretary Bhrugu Buxipatra alleged that elections had been halted in more than 200 colleges and three universities where the ABVP feared defeat.
He further claimed that incidents of violence and bomb threats were being used as tools to disrupt the electoral process and force cancellations at select institutions.
Biju Yuva Janata Dal (BYJD) President Chinmaya Kumar Sahoo questioned the timing of the polls, noting that the elections were announced despite admissions still being underway and without prior mention in the academic calendar.
He accused the government of selectively applying Lyngdoh Commission guidelines and demanded an explanation for the cancellation of elections in 206 colleges.
Biju Chhatra Janata Dal (BCJD) President Ipsita Sahoo alleged that newly introduced election rules at Rama Devi Women’s University were designed to disqualify non-ABVP candidates.
She described the BJP as an “anti-GenZ” party attempting to curb students’ democratic rights and participation in campus governance.
The opposition party warned that it would intensify protests and take to the streets if the alleged irregularities, last-minute rule changes, and election cancellations were not immediately addressed.
