At the English and Foreign Languages University (EFLU) in Hyderabad, demands for fair and free elections have ignited controversy. Left-wing ideology students, led by the Student Federation of India (SFI) and Fraternity Movement EFLU, allegedly targeted a student expressing support for the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). The targeted student, who is a Person With Disability (PWD), faced intimidation due to his political affiliation.
The unrest began on February 9, as the university convened a General Body Meeting (GBM) to discuss campus elections. However, tensions arose when the administration abruptly initiated the formation of an Election team with select students. ABVP students protested, alleging administrative favouritism towards left-leaning student unions and a lack of transparency in the Election Commission formation process. They emphasised the importance of elections representing the student community’s interests and resisting administrative dominance for student welfare.
In response, the university administration paused its proceedings until further notice. The following day, tensions escalated when left-leaning students reportedly threatened non-local students in their rooms, allegedly driven by regional biases. ABVP protested against these threats and raised concerns with the university administration.
Injured StudentHowever, on February 12, tensions escalated further as students affiliated with SFI and the Fraternity Movement initiated protests against ABVP, accusing them of interfering in the electoral process. Shockingly, these groups allegedly attacked a first-year BA student supporting ABVP at the protest site. The student was subjected to severe physical assault, resulting in grave injuries necessitating immediate hospitalisation. ABVP at EFLU swiftly filed a complaint with the Osmania University Police Station, resulting in the registration of an FIR against the alleged attackers.
An ABVP student leader speaking to Organiser Weekly said, “We are only demanding fair and transparent elections at the EFLU. We also call for immediate action to address administrative oversight, ensure the impartial formation of the Election Commission, uphold democratic principles, and punish those who attacked the BA student and threatened non-locals in their hostel rooms.”
We, ABVP EFLU, unequivocally condemn this egregious display of political violence. It is imperative that all individuals, regardless of their affiliations or beliefs, be granted the fundamental right to express their opinions without fear of intimidation or physical harm. The principles of democracy demand nothing less than the safeguarding of such liberties, the student leader added.
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