Bhubaneswar: Amid growing political tensions ahead of Odisha’s students’ union elections, Opposition BJD on Monday accused the ruling BJP of attempting to influence the polls through alleged political and administrative interference and demanded a high-level probe into allegations linked to Ramadevi Women’s University.At a news conference in Bhubaneswar, BJD media coordinator Lenin Mohanty played an audio recording of an alleged telephone conversation between a university assistant professor and another staff member.Mohanty claimed that the professor could be heard referring to the chief minister while allegedly seeking confidential records of female students. He further claimed that the conversation suggested the chief minister wanted ABVP to win the university’s students’ union elections at any cost.Seeking clarification from Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) and BJP, Mohanty expressed concern that confidential student records could be misused. He also questioned the identity of another person allegedly described in the conversation as being as powerful as the chief minister and sought clarification on the alleged involvement of a govt official.Mohanty further alleged that the recording raised questions about the use and offer of money in violation of Lyngdoh Commission guidelines governing student elections. He demanded the suspension of the assistant professor pending an inquiry and called for an investigation by a top investigative agency.Accusing the ruling party of using money and muscle power to gain an advantage in the campus elections, the BJD leader alleged that politicians, academics and administrators were intervening in the electoral process. He nevertheless expressed confidence that Biju Chhatra Janata Dal (BCJD) candidates would win despite the alleged interference.Describing the developments as a “black day” for student politics, the BJD demanded swift action from the authorities.While the authenticity of the audio recording remains unverified, BJP state vice-president Golak Mohapatra dismissed the allegations as baseless. He said BJP leaders had no role in the students’ union elections, which, he claimed, were being handled by the ABVP. “The same cannot be said of the BJD,” he added and questioned the authenticity of the audio recording.Mohapatra said the BJP govt had revived students’ union elections after an eight-year hiatus, alleging that the BJD was now making such accusations because it was unhappy with the decision.Meanwhile, the ABVP and BCJD released their manifestos on Monday, promising improved hostel facilities, Wi-Fi connectivity, enhanced campus security, and e-rickshaw services within campuses, among other measures.
