Guwahati: Gauhati University on Tuesday defended the cancellation of Post Graduate Students’ Union (PGSU) general secretary candidate Nayan Akash Bora’s nomination, citing eligibility scrutiny and prescribed election procedures.The university said its records showed that Bora was simultaneously pursuing two postgraduate programmes, making the matter one of eligibility rather than arbitrary action against an individual.The cancellation of the Aasu-backed candidate’s nomination became a flashpoint in the Gauhati University PGSU election, triggering campus protests as Aasu and ABVP secured several key posts.GU said simultaneous enrolment was a substantive issue.“The student (Bora) initially took admission in one postgraduate programme under the fee-waiver category but did not clear all papers of the first and second semesters,” GU said in a statement, adding that subsequently, he took admission in another postgraduate programme, also under the fee-waiver category.Gauhati University registrar Prof Utpal Sarma said at a news conference, “The matter has been dealt with through the established institutional mechanisms and based on official records. There has been no question of targeting any individual student.”The university said information about the eligibility of Bora and Pratik Sharma, who had filed his nomination for social service secretary, was brought to the returning officer’s notice during scrutiny on Sept 23.“The matter was referred to the Election Tribunal, which advised that the nominations of the concerned candidates should not be considered. Election Notification-5/2026 dated Sept 24 subsequently recorded cancellation of the nominations pursuant to the Tribunal’s decision,” the statement said.GU said the subsequent appeal process was also conducted through the prescribed mechanism, with the vice-chancellor serving as the appellate authority. Bora submitted appeals dated Sept 25 and 26.Following legal advice, an Appeal Hearing Committee was constituted on Sept 26, and Bora was given an opportunity to appear before it. “The hearing was conducted and video recorded. The findings were subsequently communicated to the parties concerned. A Grievances Redressal Cell was constituted on Sept 27,” the university said.Ranjan Kumar Kakati, secretary of university classes in GU, said, “The returning officer referred the matter to the Election Tribunal, and the subsequent appeal was also heard through a duly constituted committee. It is therefore incorrect to suggest that the university acted arbitrarily or without providing an opportunity for the matter to be considered.”Prof SK Singh, returning officer for the PGSU Election 2026–27, said the election was being conducted under the applicable rules and institutional framework.“The recommendations of the Lyngdoh Committee emphasise a transparent and structured student election process, including clear eligibility conditions and mechanisms for scrutiny and grievance redressal. Our responsibility is to apply the prescribed rules based on verified information and records,” Singh said.
