Team Herald
PANJIM: Amidst high voltage drama between rival groups over the Goa University Students Council (GUSC) election, the varsity on Friday postponed the scheduled polls minutes before the voting.
The situation has remained tense since August 14 when two groups backed by BJP and Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) clashed with each other followed by complaint and counter complaint at Women Police Station.
On Friday morning, the Goa University announced rescheduling the elections to prevent possible law and order situation at the campus.
“Election to Executive Committee of the GUSC 2019-20 slated for August 16 has been postponed. Fresh dates shall be intimated in due course of time,” a press release issued by GU stated.
The ABVP thereafter held a press briefing accusing that the postponement was a result of political pressure by the BJP Yuva Morcha (BJPYM).
“The GUSC election which was scheduled to be held today, August 16 has been postponed by the GU due to political pressure and tactics employed by the BJYM. ABVP had strongly condemned the use of political power and political sponsorship in student elections and accordingly representation was made to the vice chancellor by ABVP on August 13 demanding cancellation of election. It was however turned down by Grievance Redressal Cell (GRC) and we were informed about this on August 14. We were also told that election will be conducted as scheduled,” ABVP spokesperson said.
ABVP claimed that it was in the winning position having support of more than 40 of the out of 78 University Faculty Representatives (UFRs).
“We were telephonically informed at around 10.30 am that the elections are rescheduled to an undecided date. It is clear that the GU has bowed down to political pressure of BJYM and postponed the election,” it alleged.
The ABVP has thus appealed to Governor Dr Mridula Sinha, also Chancellor; and Ministry of Human Resource Development to look into the matter and take strict action. It has also demanded that the postponement of the election be declared illegal and entire election process for 2019-20 be cancelled.
The NSUI has boycotted the elections and demanded that all 28,000 students be allowed to vote.
