SFI alliance sweeps students' council polls

Puducherry: The SFI-led alliance has claimed a thumping victory in the students' union elections held at the Pondicherry Central University.

Students Federation of India (SFI)-Ambedkar St-udents Association (ASA) alliance swept 10 out of 11 seats for the second consecutive year. Newly elected general secretary Muhammad P said students prefer left Dalit unity over communal ideology of ABVP.

"The election result in Pondicherry University is the continuation of what happened in JNU, UoH and other campuses in India," he said. "The continuous victory of left forces in campuses all over India is a strong statement against the ruling NDA-led government, which is busy labeling the oppositional voices as anti-nationals," V.P. Sanu, all India president, SFI, told DC.

Pondicherry University follows a parliamentary mode of election where representatives of different schools and their campuses in Mahe, Karaikal, and Port Blair elect the office bearers.

Students protest

Tension prevailed in Pondicherry University as various students' organizations including Akhil Bharatiya Vidhyarthi Parishad (ABVP) protested in front of Vice Chancellor's chamber asking for withdrawal of election results.

The newly elected council president did not pass his examinations in his first attempt, which is against the university's eligibility criteria to contest the election, they said.

Tension prevailed in the atmosphere when two of the protesting students threatening to commit suicide in front of the administration block.

Situation came back to normal after police officials held talks with the students.
"As per the Lyngdoh committee report students can approach the grievance redressal cell if there are any complaints regarding the students' council election. The protesting students have agreed to do. Once the complaint is received the committee will look into the issue," assistant registrar M. Vallathan told DC.