Rama Devi University Election Chaos: BJD Alleges Foul Play as Counting Stalls
BJD leader Sagarika Samant alleges political interference and irregularities as vote counting stalls at Rama Devi Women's University.
High drama unfolded at Rama Devi Women's University in Bhubaneswar as the counting of votes for the student union elections was marred by tension and allegations of irregularity. The situation escalated to the point where police personnel had to be deployed on campus to prevent potential clashes and maintain law and order.
BJD Raises Alarm Over 'Hooliganism'
Sagarika Samant, the General Secretary of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), expressed a mix of relief and distress over the electoral process. While she welcomed the return of student elections after a significant hiatus, she voiced serious concerns regarding the atmosphere surrounding the polls.
"On one hand, we are happy that these elections are finally happening after such a long time; yet, on the other, there is a sense of distress. We fear a return to the hooliganism, physical altercations, and violence that often plague election periods," Samant stated.
Allegations of Political Interference
The BJD leader did not mince words in accusing the state administration of manipulating the process. Samant questioned the specific delay in announcing the results for Rama Devi Women's University, noting that results for other colleges across Odisha had already been released.
She alleged that the delay was a calculated move by the ruling government. Samant claimed that Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi sought to bring the university under his control and suggested that the administration was deliberately creating disturbances because they feared an imminent defeat in the polls.
Counting Halted Amidst Confusion
As the tension peaked, the actual counting process came to a standstill. Samiksha, a candidate contesting for the post of DSA Secretary, confirmed that the final tally had been halted. According to her, representatives from both opposing sides, including their respective presidents and secretaries, were summoned inside to resolve the deadlock and resume the count.
While Samiksha suggested that the stoppage might have been caused by a "misunderstanding," she remained critical of the overall conduct of the elections. She alleged that the process had been skewed from the start, stating that candidates had faced unfair treatment since day one and that the world was witnessing the unfolding irregularities.
Current Status
With police presence remaining high and candidates alleging systemic unfairness, the university remains a flashpoint of political friction as students and party representatives await a transparent conclusion to the counting process.