On the backdrop of the death of Sudipto Gupta, leader of Student Federation of India (SFI), which has created turmoil in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and other States,
The Pioneer tried to explore the possibilities of students’ union election in Chhattisgarh. The two political arch rivals of State BJP and Congress seemed to have agreed over the issue, though there has not been much efforts seen on their part to re-initiate the election process.
Saroj Pandey the National Chief of Mahila Morch of BJP talking with The Pioneer expressed, “Student union election had lost their form and therefore they had to be stopped, but now the student election should be resumed,” says Pandey and adds those who have interest in politics and enter into the politics through the student politics. Commenting over death of SFI leader in WB, she says in Chhattisgarh also many student leaders had lost their lives during the student election because of the involvement of muscle and money power in it, which now should be stopped. She vehemently says that healthy and clean election should be held.
Rajesh Munat, the State Housing and Environment Minister who had entered in the politics through student unions, holds similar views shared by Saroj Pandey. He says currently the student unions are being made on the basis of merits. “The Government has so far not taken any decision over the issue,” he adds.
Ravindra Choubey, leader of Opposition in the State Assembly sharply points out “Student politics has almost ended in the State. “The elections have not been held since a long time and the youth leadership is facing sharp crisis,” says Choubey and held the State Government responsible for it. “The Government has stopped students’ elections citing the law and order situation, however we all know what is the condition of law and order in State,” he charges.
Mohammed Akbar Congress party legislator from Kawardha is of the view that Chhattisgarh is a peaceful State and Government should start the student union elections. “Today most of legislators in Chhattisgarh legislative Assembly are from student union. The Government needs to develop such mechanism that student union elections are held smoothly.”
Sunil Soni Chairman of Raipur Development Authority (RDA) also supports the view. “leadership is developed in student unions. It helps in developing vision and produces mature leaders.” He further says that today it has been observed that the young generation has become much carrier concerned and have loosed interest in politics due to which there has been a downfall in student politics.
Anurg Singhdeo National President of Bhartiya Janta Yuva Morcah (BJYM) says that Universities are concerned about the environment of their campus environment, due to which election of student unions have been suspended. “There is urgent need to find some way out for student unions,” expresses Singhdeo.
Subodh Haritawal the in-charge President of National Student Union of India (NSUI) questions that why is the students’ union election barredIJ “The assembly elections are conducted, the various small and big trade unions and association choose their leader so why are students’ not allowed selecting of their leadersIJ”