Team Herald
panjim: The BJP-backed students’ panel at Goa University (GU) swept the GU Students Council (GUSC) elections amidst tension on Monday when rival groups clashed with each other at the varsity campus during the polling process.
The BJP Yuva Morcha backed panel clinched 63 seats while its opposition ABVP garnered 22 votes. Congress’ National Students Union of India (NSUI) Goa boycotted the election accusing it of being biased and held a protest, which led to a clash with the rival students’ groups. Heavy police force, which was already deployed anticipating high-voltage drama, intervened to thwart any further attempt of violence.
BJPYM Goa Chief Pramay Mainkar said the election results, indicated that students have continued to place their trust in the party-backed panel for putting forth and resolving various issues pertaining to their community.
Alleging political interference, NSUI President Ahraz Mulla however expressed his disappointment on the manner in which the election was held. At a press conference held thereafter, he alleged the GUSC election was a mere eyewash.
“The election was in fact an internal one. It was an eye-wash to show to the people that BJP and ABVP are separate groups,” he said. He further warned that they will to go court to challenge the election and its result.
Earlier, the varsity on August 16 had postponed the scheduled polls minutes before voting as the situation remained tense since August 14. This was because two groups backed by BJP and ABVP clashed with each other, following which there was a complaint and counter complaint filed at the Women Police Station.
ABVP had at that point of time, called for a press briefing where they alleged that the decision to postpone was made due to political pressure from the BJPYM. It had claimed that ABVP was in the winning position having support of more than 40 UFRs (University Faculty Representatives) out of 78.
