The National Students' Union of India (NSUI), the student wing of the Congress, clashed with police personnel during a protest outside the Odisha assembly. The NSUI has been demanding for elections in colleges and state-run universities for several years now. While the BJP government in the state claims to not have enough time to conduct the elections this year, the NSUI believes it is because the RSS-backed ABVP fears losing the polls. A scuffle broke out when the police did not allow the NSUI activists to march towards the assembly.
NSUI Clashes with Police in Odisha Amidst Protest for College Elections
The National Students' Union of India (NSUI), the student wing of the Congress party, recently engaged in a street clash with Odisha police personnel during a protest march demanding elections in colleges and state-owned universities. The incident highlights ongoing tensions between the student body and the government over higher education reforms.
Background
The NSUI has been advocating for college elections for several years, arguing that it will ensure transparency and accountability in student governance. The BJP-led government in Odisha, however, has stated that it does not have sufficient time to conduct the polls this year.
The NSUI suspects that the government's reluctance stems from its fear of the RSS-backed student organization, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), which it believes may not fare well in the elections.
Protest and Clashes
On October 26, 2023, hundreds of NSUI activists gathered outside the Odisha State Legislative Assembly to demand the announcement of college election dates. The police attempted to disperse the crowd, but the protesters resisted, leading to a scuffle.
Several NSUI activists were detained by the police, and some were injured in the clash. The NSUI alleged that the police used excessive force and accused the government of trying to stifle student dissent.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. Why is the NSUI demanding college elections? Answer: The NSUI believes that college elections promote transparency, accountability, and student involvement in governance.
2. Why has the Odisha government refused to hold elections? Answer: The government claims it does not have enough time to conduct the polls this year.
3. What is the role of the ABVP in this situation? Answer: The NSUI alleges that the government's inaction is influenced by its fear of the ABVP, which it believes may lose in the elections.
4. What happened during the protest clash with the police? Answer: NSUI activists clashed with police personnel after being denied permission to march towards the assembly. Several NSUI members were detained and injured.
5. What is the current status of the issue? Answer: The NSUI continues to demand the announcement of election dates, while the government maintains its position of not holding polls this year.
Former President Donald Trump took to his Truth Social platform on Sunday to criticize Fox News for cutting him off during a 10-minute discussion about Kamala Harris' DNC speech. Trump claimed that it was the network who called him, not the other way around, and that they interrupted him to air Greg Gutfeld's late-night show instead. This outburst comes as Harris leads Trump in polls and after reports of Trump spending most of August golfing instead of focusing on his campaign.
Indian wrestler and Congress candidate Vinesh Phogat is making her first visit to the village of Khera Bakhta in Julana since receiving her election ticket. This important visit will help strengthen her ties with local residents and garner support for her political campaign. Stay updated with ABP News for the latest developments in this political race.
In the wake of fresh violence in Manipur's Jiribam district, the state's Chief Minister led a meeting of ruling party MLAs to discuss ways to tackle the ongoing ethnic violence between Meiteis and Kuki-Zo groups. The security agencies have recovered large caches of weapons, which include sniper rifles and rocket bombs, indicating the intensification of the conflict. Despite previous efforts to restore normalcy, violence continues to erupt in ethnically-diverse Jiribam, displacing thousands and resulting in casualties. The government is now pressuring the Centre to take appropriate action to bring the militants under control.
The ongoing conflict between Kuki militants and security agencies in Manipur has taken a dangerous turn as the Kukis have sought foreign help in their demand for a separate state. According to sources, the World Kuki-Zo Intellectual Council has approached the UN, UK and Israel with their demands, citing their right to self governance under the Indian Constitution and various international agreements. The Kukis claim to be lost Jew tribes who were brought to India for tourism but later held captive by the country.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi of Odisha will be visiting Sambalpur to launch the CM Kisan Yojana on September 8, coinciding with the Nuakhai festival. This new scheme will replace the existing KALIA scheme and aims to provide financial assistance to small and marginal farmers, who will receive Rs 4000 annually in two phases. Chief Minister Majhi will also attend 'Nuakhai Bhetghat' programmes and offer prayers at Maa Samaleswari temple during his visit. Stay updated by subscribing to the Odisha Breaking News channel.
Kamala Harris has brought new excitement to the U.S. presidential race, particularly among Democrats of Asian descent and people of color. The party's convention in Chicago, originally intended to support Joe Biden's re-election, has become a platform for showcasing Harris' strengths and diversity within the Democratic party. This is in stark contrast to Trump's Republican party, which lacks ethnic diversity and has officially nominated him as their candidate for the third consecutive time.
The Manipur government has declared an indefinite curfew in Jiribam district after five people were killed in ethnic violence. The order, made under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, prohibits gatherings and restricts movement, with exceptions for essential services and emergency situations. The superintendent of police will be overseeing the enforcement of the curfew, which will remain in effect until further notice. The regional news portal Northeast Now provides ongoing coverage of the potentially volatile situation.
After the head of a Hindu monastic order suggested changing the name of the ritual bath at the Kumbh Mela, Urdu speakers have denounced the statement, asserting that Urdu is also an indigenous Indian language. The Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, an organization of Hindu monastic orders, is planning to discuss the issue and make a decision. Meanwhile, members of the Urdu Markaz Mumbai group have condemned the call to drop the old term, highlighting the historical and cultural significance of Urdu to India. The Kumbh Mela, a mass gathering held every 12 years, is a highly revered Hindu event and the next one is scheduled for 2025.
The Congress party has released its first list of candidates for the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections, with Vinesh Phogat being nominated as the candidate for the Julana constituency. The JJP has decided to field Amarjit Dhanda, the current MLA, again as their candidate. However, Congress is hopeful that Phogat's popularity and recent retirement from wrestling will garner sympathy votes and help them win the seat.
In a major scandal shaking up the Indian bureaucracy, IAS officer Puja Khedkar has been discharged from service by the UPSC for cheating and taking advantage of OBC and disability quota benefits. This comes after a month of her selection being cancelled and her being barred from future exams. The controversy has brought to light loopholes in the selection process and has resulted in the scrutiny of over 15,000 candidates.