GORAKHPUR: The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has hit back at allegations being levelled against its people, accusing certain individuals of making unsubstantiated claims aimed at tarnishing the organisation’s image and disturbing the university atmosphere.
At a press conference held at the ABVP regional office on September 24, Regional Joint Secretary Nikhil Gupta said the organisation would not be intimidated by what it described as fabricated allegations and challenged those making the claims to produce evidence before the police or university authorities.
The press conference was attended by Regional Media Convener Shivam Pandey, Aditya Singh, Gorakhpur City Division Convener Prashant Tripathi and Prashant Raj.
‘Produce evidence, not allegations’
Gupta said allegations concerning the alleged theft of a gold chain worth Rs 3 lakh should be backed by details of a police complaint or other documentary evidence. He argued that merely making an allegation does not establish its truth.
ABVP, he said, does not support injustice against any student but maintained that serious accusations against its people should not be made without supporting evidence.
The organisation also strongly rejected allegations that teachers and ABVP people consume alcohol on the university campus. Gupta challenged those making the allegations to undergo medical tests according to established procedures, saying such a process could establish the facts.
ABVP recalls earlier fee-hike agitation
Gupta also sought to counter questions about ABVP’s contribution to student welfare by pointing to its earlier agitation against a fee hike at the university and affiliated colleges.
According to him, around three years ago, ABVP launched a major protest against the fee increase, during which eight people spent 11 days in jail. He said the incident demonstrated the organisation’s willingness to continue raising student issues despite pressure.
Gupta maintained that ABVP’s activities extend beyond individual protests and include raising student grievances, advocating for their interests and seeking to maintain what it described as a healthy academic environment.
Counter-allegations over student fund collection
The organisation also levelled allegations against the individuals it said were behind the accusations against ABVP. According to ABVP, the individuals concerned have themselves been accused of disrupting the academic environment and allegedly misleading students to extract money.
The organisation claimed that documents and other material were presented to journalists during the press conference in support of its position. ABVP said anyone disputing these claims should respond with facts and evidence.
Gorakhpur City Division Convener Prashant Tripathi said allegations and counter-allegations should not be allowed to damage the university environment. He called on anyone possessing evidence against ABVP people or teachers to present it before the appropriate authorities.
