Europe News Desk!!! The London School of Economics (LSE) has said it will review its student union elections after an Indian student alleged that he was disqualified from the elections because of anti-India rhetoric and Hinduphobia prevalent on campus. The London School of Economics Students’ Union (LSESU) has a firm zero-tolerance approach to any form of harassment or bullying, and operates in a fair and democratic manner, the London School of Economics Students’ Union (LSESU) said in a statement. The statement said, .. Given the impact of this experience on some of the candidates involved, we will conduct an external review this time and will attempt to update the community accordingly. Karan Kataria, 22, from Haryana, pursuing post-graduation at LSE, said he was disqualified from running for general secretary of LSESU last week because of his Indian and Hindu identity.
He claimed in a statement posted on Twitter that he faced personal, vicious and targeted attacks, and was accused of being homophobic, Islamophobic, queerphobic and a Hindu nationalist. He further said that despite receiving immense support from students of all nationalities, he was disqualified from the general secretary election of LSESU. Responding to Kataria’s claims, the LSESU said the candidate was disqualified as he violated election rules. LSESU in its statement said- Candidates and campaigners should maintain a proper distance (about 2 meters) from anyone casting their vote. You may, under no circumstances, stand near a student or talk to them while they are voting – even if they ask you for help. If they are having trouble voting, take them to an SU Vote Center or ask them to email us.
The students’ union said Kataria was given an opportunity to appeal against the decision made by the returning officer as prescribed in the LSESU bye-laws. Kataria then presented an appeal which was considered by the remaining four members of the Democracy Committee. Stating that all candidates are governed by a clear set of policies, procedures, protocols and election rules, LSESU said it always reviews how our elections are conducted. We are confident that all decisions were made in accordance with due process and best practice. Kataria said that the LSESU has undemocratically canceled his candidature, and has not provided any evidence for the allegations against him. He also said that on polling day, Indian students were threatened and targeted for their national and Hindu religious identity. Kataria alleged that the students raised the issue, but the LSESU sidelined it by not taking action against the bullies. LSE has approximately 11,000 students of whom over 60 per cent come from outside the UK.
–IANS
KC/ANM
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