BJD Alleges BJP Interference in Odisha Student Union Elections, Condemns BCJD Leader’s Arrest
Bhubaneswar: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) on Thursday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government in Odisha of attempting to influence student union elections through administrative and police intervention, sparking a fresh political controversy over campus democracy.
Based on allegations reported by BJD leaders, the party claimed that the electoral process was being manipulated to favour the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).
Addressing a press conference in Bhubaneswar, senior BJD functionaries strongly criticised the detention of BCJD President Ipsita Sahu during the election process, describing the action as politically motivated.
Party leaders alleged that the arrest was intended to suppress student participation and weaken support for BCJD candidates.
BJD Media Coordinator Dr Lenin Mohanty accused the BJP of misusing government machinery to influence election outcomes.
He alleged instances of “candidate theft” and “vote theft,” claiming that several BCJD candidates were abducted to affect the electoral process.
Senior BJD leader Tumbanath Panda raised concerns over developments at Rama Devi Women’s University, alleging serious irregularities and asserting that democratic norms had been compromised to secure victories for ABVP-affiliated candidates.
He further claimed that police authorities were selectively restricting BJD-affiliated student leaders while allowing BJP representatives unrestricted access to campuses.
The opposition party described the developments as an attack on democratic values and student rights.
BJD leaders warned that the student community would respond strongly to any perceived attempts to undermine free and fair elections in educational institutions.
The allegations have intensified political tensions surrounding Odisha’s student union elections, placing campus democracy and electoral transparency at the center of the debate.
