Nagpur graduates' poll: Allegations of pressure on teachers to attend BJP candidate's meetings

The election to the Nagpur divisional graduates' constituency has heated up the political atmosphere. Allegations that pressure is being put on private and aided educational institutions to campaign for BJP candidate Sudhakar Kohle have caused resentment in the education sector.

According to sources, directors of some educational institutions are being pressed to ensure that teachers and non-teaching staff attend campaign-related meetings. It is alleged that they are being warned of administrative action against their institutions if staff are not brought. However, these allegations have not been independently confirmed.

The sources claim the pressure is being exerted on the managements through a senior BJP leader. Institution heads are allegedly being told to bring teachers and non-teaching staff to meetings for Kohle's campaign, or face serious consequences.

The situation is said to have caused confusion and resentment among some institution heads. Questions are being raised in particular about meetings being held on a public holiday.

According to the sources, a meeting of a large educational institution was held on Sunday at Arjuna Sabhagruha in the Khamla area. A similar meeting is reported to be planned on Monday afternoon at a reputed CBSE school on Wardha Road. Some institution heads allegedly feel compelled to attend these meetings or send staff for fear of possible administrative action. No official position of the parties concerned on the purpose of the meetings or the attendance is available.

The BJP has fielded Kohle in this election. Revenue Minister and Nagpur district guardian minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule has been given charge of the election.

Reports had earlier emerged of displeasure on the part of former MLA Anil Sole over Kohle's candidature. As part of efforts to address it, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was said to have visited Sole at his home. Although the party has given out a message of unity, talk of discontent within the BJP continues during the election.

The Nagpur graduates' constituency election appears to be becoming a matter of prestige for the BJP, which is putting in its full strength to consolidate its position on the seat. The allegations of pressure on educational institutions have heated up the election atmosphere further. If the allegations that administrative action is being threatened to ensure staff attendance at political campaign events prove true, it could become a serious issue concerning the autonomy of institutions and a fair election process.

On the other side, the Congress has again fielded Abhijit Wanjari, who won convincingly in the previous election. The Congress too is preparing to give the contest its full strength. Given the growing rivalry between the BJP and the Congress, the Nagpur divisional graduates' constituency election is likely to be highly competitive. It remains to be seen whether the BJP tightens its political grip or the Congress keeps its lead under Wanjari.