People's Democracy

THE SFI supported Left forces in the University of Hyderabad (HCU) triumphed over the communal elements in the students’ union elections held on August 26. The Left forces in the university work in the name of University Discussion Forum (UDF) while the communal elements work in the name of Discovery. The presidential candidate of UDF, Bhim Reddy won with a thumping majority of 297 votes over an independent candidate, Jyothi Vikas. The ABVP supported Discovery candidate, Shiv Kumar secured the last spot. Incidentally, the majority secured by UDF presidential candidate is the highest ever in the history of the university in a triangle contest.

The Discovery, which put its candidates to all the posts in the university drew a blank while the UDF which contested for the post of president and supported independent candidates for all other posts, scored emphatic victory.

Discovery tried all the means in its possession to emerge victorious. It played the cards of caste, religion, and department to see that UDF is defeated. They brought out a pamphlet accusing the UDF as an organisation, which is trying to divide the campus by organising seminars condemning the Gujarat massacre. They want the campus community to remain a muted spectator to the mass murder campaign carried out by the Hindutva communal forces in Gujarat.

UDF was able to secure this mandate due to its consistent stand on all the issues –campus to the national politics. The series of seminars organised by UDF on various issues, ranging from cinema to genetics, corruption to communalism, against oppression on women and dalits and for education and democratic rights of the students, helped in building a favourable opinion amongst the students for the UDF and for what it stands for. Apart from these the work done by our cadre in the campus on various issues also won accolades.

There is a huge responsibility on the UDF now because it is the first time the Left forces have won the elections in this university. It has to live up to the expectations of the entire university community.

Total Number Of Votes Polled	1459
Bhim Reddy (UDF)	676
Jyothi Vikas (IND)	373
Shiv Kumar (Discovery)	368
Invalid votes	42