50 OBC students barred from Surat college elections

Around 50 students belonging to OBC (Other Backward Class) category were allegedly forced to give a written declaration by Amroli College authorities that they were not interested in contesting elections. The students have submitted a memorandum to the university, demanding action against the principal for his biased behaviour toward them.

All the students who were allegedly made to give the undertaking are from the Rabari community. Students complained that principal MR Chavda wants to ensure these students do not participate in the college elections or any election-related activity. No such declaration has been sought from students of other communities.

“Chavda asked the students to give their declarations on Rs20 stamp paper. Now,  if he sees students from the community in groups or talking to other youths, he immediately penalises them. This is biased behaviour toward youths from the community,” Swaroop Purohit, general secretary of Amroli college, said.

To protest this unjust treatment, Rabari youths accompanied by Purohit met Dakesh Thakar, vice-chancellor of VNSGU (Veer Narmad South Gujarat University), on Wednesday. They submitted a memorandum and demanded strict action against the principal. Thakar has assured the matter will soon be sorted out. The principal of Amroli College was not available for comment despite repeated attempts.