Mangaluru: NSUI issues apology after ABVP protests against internationally acclaimed historian
Mangaluru: The National Students Union of India (NSUI) organized a protest on Wednesday, paying tribute to the martyrs of the 1857 freedom struggle. This demonstration came in response to the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad's (ABVP) alleged insult towards internationally acclaimed historian and former Delhi University Professor, Shamsul Islam. Dr. Islam had arrived at the University College campus on Saturday to deliver the freedom fighter B.V. Kakkilaya inspired oration.
Under the NSUI’s leadership, the students paid floral tributes to the first four incidents related to the first war of Independence of 1857 in Karnataka and the names of the 132 martyrs who lost their lives in those incidents in front of the gate of Mangalore University College, in the city’s Hampankatta.
Speaking on the occasion, NSUI District President Suhan Alva highlighted that Mangalore University is known for its own contributions. But recently when retired Delhi University professor and history expert Dr. Shamsul Islam arrived at the campus to conduct a B.V. Kakkilaya inspired oration, the ABVP staged protests against him. He noted that, Dr. Islam's research and collection of information on the freedom fighters of 1857 aimed to raise awareness about these unsung heroes, but he found himself encircled and confronted by the ABVP. The NSUI condemned the ABVP's attempt to gherao him.
“The ABVP disrespected the martyrs of the freedom struggle by obstructing those who came to introduce freedom fighters who were not well-known to the common people. The ABVP insulted a historian who had come to Mangaluru with good intentions, however he carried a wrong opinion about the place. NSUI would like to apologize on behalf of the students for such an act.” Alva added.
Alva further stated that the “NSUI has already voiced concerns regarding the irregularities in the university, including the delayed payment of salaries to the teachers and non-teaching staff of Mangalore University. Local MLAs have interfered with and disrupted the Ganeshotsava, which has been celebrated at Mangalore University for a long time.” He stated that NSUI condemns the callous behavior of an elected representative.
Four events related to the First War of Indian Independence in 1857, and the names of 132 martyrs who sacrificed their lives in these events, were commemorated on a plaque unveiled by Dr. Shamsul Islam in the premises of Mangalore University College.
Although it was initially decided that students, under the leadership of NSUI, would pay tribute to the martyrs within the college premises, the students ended up paying their respects at the martyrs' plaque located in front of the college gate due to the denial of permission by the police.
Numerous student leaders including Siraj Mangaluru, Samarth Bhatt, Shaun Siri, Sukhwinder Singh, Shalvin, Azim, Steven, Rihan, and University student leaders Anas, Jamshid, Marzook, Marshad and others were present on this occasion.
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Sanjay Raut demands re-election, alleges irregularities in EVMs during Maharashtra polls
Mumbai, Nov 25: Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Monday demanded a re-election in Maharashtra using ballot papers, claiming there were irregularities with the electronic voting machines (EVMs).
Talking to reporters, Raut alleged several complaints about EVMs malfunctioning and questioned the integrity of the recently held elections.
The BJP-led Mahayuti won 230 out of 288 seats in the assembly elections, while the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi managed 46 seats, with Shiv Sena (UBT) winning just 20 out of 95 seats it contested.
"We have received nearly 450 complaints regarding EVMs. Despite raising objections repeatedly, no action has been taken on these issues. How can we say these elections were conducted fairly? Hence, I demand that the results be set aside and elections be held again using ballot papers," Raut said.
Citing some instances, he said a candidate in Nashik reportedly received only four votes despite having 65 votes from his family, while in Dombivli, discrepancies were found in EVM tallies, and election officials refused to acknowledge the objections.
The Sena (UBT) leader also questioned the credibility of the landslide victories of some candidates, saying, "What revolutionary work have they done to receive more than 1.5 lakh votes? Even leaders who recently switched parties have become MLAs. This raises suspicions. For the first time, a senior leader like Sharad Pawar has expressed doubts about EVMs, which cannot be ignored."
Asked about the MVA's poor performance in the elections, Raut rejected the idea of blaming a single individual.
"We fought as a united MVA. Even a leader like Sharad Pawar, who commands immense respect in Maharashtra, faced defeat. This shows that we need to analyse the reasons behind the failure. One of the reasons is EVM irregularities and the misuse of the system, unconstitutional practices, and even judicial decisions left unresolved by Justice Chandrachud," he said.
Raut stressed that though internal differences might have existed within the MVA, the failure was collective.
He also accused the Mahayuti of conducting the elections in an unfair manner.
"I cannot call the elections fair given the numerous reports of discrepancies in EVMs, mismatched numbers, and vote irregularities across the state," Raut said.
