The three dominant students’ wings – Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), Adivasi Chhatra Sangh (ACS) including All Jharkhand Students’ Union (AJSU) have began chalking out their strategies to clinch maximum seats in RU Indirect Poll – 2018 scheduled on December 13. Altogether 11 candidates of the three students unions are in the fray. Interestingly, for the post of president, there is a trilateral fight between the candidates of ABVP and ACS.
According to the sources, Kuldeep Munda of ACS is being supported by the group of Sanjay Mahli whereas Sushil’s group is backing another presidential post contender of ACS – Sandeep Oraon. Sushil and Mahli have been associated with ACS since its inception.
From ABVP, Neha Mandi, is in the race for presidential post. Similarly, for other four posts – Vice-President, Secretary, Joint Secretary and Deputy Secretary as well, the members of the entire three students ’ union group seems quite apprehensive.
With 42 seats in Direct Poll, ABVP, this year has emerged as the biggest students’ union group of the State’s biggest varsity. A member of ABVP stated that the student union group is firm about its decision of contesting election without any confederacy.
“Since, ABVP has won the majority in the direct poll; there are no chances of coalition. Our party workers, supporters including the office-bearers are against coalition. Also, attempts are being made to rouse the situation of cross-voting by making a deal or bargaining. There are inputs that opposition group is looking to convince a few candidates of our party,” said ABVP State Convener, Atal Pandey.
On the other hand, AJSU including ACS leaders admitted that if things fall into place, they can go together and form an alliance. “Nothing has been finalised yet but discussion with ACS leaders are going on. Our group is also trying to convince the members of other political groups like Jharkhand Chhatra Morcha (JCM), National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) including the independent candidates who have been elected from different colleges in Direct Election to vote for AJSU’s panel. If we get their support then the dominance of ABVP can be easily washed away in the final round,” said AJSU State In-charge, Harish Kumar.
Similarly, Senior Leader of ACS – Sanjay Mahli quoted that in a day or two the final decision over the coalition will be taken. “There is quite high chance that we will contest the election in federation with AJSU. This is just to weed out ABVP for coming into the power at the students’ poll. As a group, ABVP has got bogus votes during the Direct Election and primarily, looking its track record, it has not been able to do something of great importance at the colleges, universities,” added Mahli. Meanwhile, Mahli clarified that ACS is united and there is no groupism within the student union.
As per the final electoral list, Kunal Kumar Sharma will contest for the post of vice-president from ABVP while Pancham Munda from AJSU. For the post of Secretary and Joint Secretary as well ABVP contender and AJSU’s candidate will face-off in the poll. Saurabh Bose from ABVP and Sonu Kumar Pundit from AJSU will contest the election for the post of Secretary. Saurabh Kumar of ABVP and Nitesh Lakra of AJSU will fight against each other for the post of Joint Secretary.
For Deputy Secretary’s post, Ankit Ranjan of ABVP and Jeevanti Soren of ACS are in the election race.