Patna University Students Union Oath Ceremony Marred by Protests Over Election Disputes
The oath-taking ceremony for the newly elected Patna University Students Union (PUSU) on Monday faced significant disruption after a group of students staged a protest, alleging irregularities in the elections held on February 28. The demonstration led to the locking of the Jaya Prakash Narayan Senate Hall, forcing university authorities to relocate the proceedings to a more secure location.
Ceremony Relocated to Vice-Chancellor's Chamber Amid Unrest
Due to the escalating protests, the university was compelled to administer the oath to only a limited number of office-bearers in the vice-chancellor's chamber. Patna University Vice-Chancellor Namita Singh personally oversaw the ceremony, swearing in newly elected president Shantanu Shekhar and vice-president Sifat Faiz in her office. However, the disruption meant that three other key positions—general secretary, joint secretary, and treasurer—could not take their oaths as planned.
Limited Oath Administration for Council Members
Out of the 24 newly elected council members, only six were able to participate in the oath-taking process. Those who were sworn in included Indrajit Kumar, Arush Aryan, Saurabh Narain Singh, Nikki Kumar, D K Pratap, and Mohammad Ehsanullah. This limited participation highlights the extent of the disruption caused by the student protests, which centered on claims of electoral malpractices during the recent union elections.
University Officials Present at the Event
Despite the chaotic circumstances, several senior university officials attended the ceremony, demonstrating the institution's commitment to proceeding with the formalities. The registrar, proctor, dean of students' welfare, and the chief returning officer were all present, underscoring the importance of the event within the university's administrative framework.
The protests have raised concerns about the transparency and fairness of the student union elections, with students demanding a thorough investigation into the alleged irregularities. The university administration has yet to issue an official statement regarding the protests or any potential actions to address the grievances. This incident underscores ongoing tensions within student politics at Patna University, potentially impacting future electoral processes and campus harmony.
