Gauhati University Defends PGSU Election Process

Guwahati: Gauhati University administrators pushed back on October 6 against claims that their handling of the 2026-27 Post-Graduate Students' Union election was flawed. They labeled the circulating reports inaccurate. The school stands by its nomination process.

Trouble began during the September 23 nomination scrutiny. Officials flagged the eligibility of candidates Nayan Akash Bora and Pratik Sharma. A report reaching the Returning Officer suggested both men lacked standing. The Election Tribunal reviewed the case. On September 24, the university officially canceled their nominations.

University officials cited dual enrollment as the primary issue. Records show one student failed to clear all papers in their first postgraduate program before enrolling in a second one, using fee-waiver provisions for both. The student also maintained hostel status while simultaneously holding admission in two separate programs. Registrar Prof Utpal Sarma denied any vendetta against students. "The matter has been dealt with through the established institutional mechanisms and on the basis of official records. There has been no question of targeting any individual student," Sarma said.

Bora filed appeals on September 25 and 26. The school set up an Appeal Hearing Committee on September 26 and a Grievances Redressal Cell on September 27. Officials recorded the hearing on video. Dr. Ranjan Kumar Kakati, Secretary of University Classes, rejected accusations of arbitrary decision-making. He noted that past practices do not justify breaking current rules. Returning Officer Prof S. K. Singh cited Lyngdoh Committee guidelines as the foundation for their transparent election framework. The university expects students to remain peaceful as the election continues.