Students’ Movement may throw a Big Challenge to BJD

On the auspicious occasion of 13th Anniversary Celebrations of leading Odia Weekly ‘Subarta’, Editor Pradyumna Satpathy took an unprecedented step of uniting all former student leaders on a single platform to discuss about the prevailing political situation in the state and the road map to be designed. And, it came to light that former student union leaders have been working towards the goal of triggering a mass movement for a change in Odisha.

The student leaders in the state have already formed a group called ‘Odisha Student Leaders’ Forum’ with the goal of creating self-awareness among the people and give a new dimension to the political system of Odisha. Former Student Union Leaders such as Abhinna Kumar Hota, Satyabrata Panda, Sanjib Patry, Badri Mohanty, Tumbanath Panda, Ajay Kumar Mishra, Brajendra Kishore Panda etc. have joined this movement.

The above leaders were part of the Seminar organised by ‘Subarta’ yesterday. They all agreed on the need of mobilizing student power to uphold the democratic values in the state, which have come under constant threat over the last few years. They did not bat for any party, but were unequivocal in their opposition to the ruling Biju Janata Dal and its leader Naveen Patnaik, saying the state has failed to progress despite the mandate enjoyed by the ruling party for the last 16 years. This movement may change the political discourse in Odisha – sooner or later.