Bhubaneswar, 07/08/2026: The agitation condemning the alleged misbehaviour of Cuttack
Sadar MLA Shri Prakash Sethi towards the Chief Warden of Ravenshaw University has been intensifying. However, the MLA has not accepted his mistake or misconduct. Condemning the incident, the Biju Janata Dal held a press conference at Sankha Bhawan. Biju Chhatra Janata Dal State President Ipsita Sahoo, State Executive President Shri Chinmay Das, and Cuttack
District President Shri Suman Behera were present on the occasion.
Ipsita Sahoo stated that the controversy surrounding the historic Ravenshaw University has now moved beyond the university campus and reached the streets. Instead of taking appropriate action, the State Government has remained silent. A drinking water-related problem had arisen inside the campus of the prestigious Ravenshaw University, over which the students had staged a protest. A discussion was subsequently held between the students and the university authorities to resolve the issue. However, without being invited, MLA Shri Prakash Sethi entered the meeting venue and created unnecessary controversy. During the discussion on resolving the issue, the MLA allegedly misbehaved with the Chief Warden. Such conduct from an elected legislator is completely unacceptable. His behaviour and choice of words were such that instead of helping resolve the matter, they further aggravated the situation.
She further said that after FM University and Rama Devi University, the BJP
Government is also responsible for the controversy at Ravenshaw University. Despite the
developments, the Vice-Chancellor of Ravenshaw University has remained silent. Instead of taking steps to safeguard the academic environment of the university, the State Government has also chosen to remain inactive. The controversy has now led to continued protests by students as well as members of the teaching faculty. She further alleged that Shri Prakash
Sethi has been made a Senate Member of Ravenshaw University solely because he is a BJP
MLA.
Shri Chinmay Das said that Ravenshaw University is a landmark institution in Odisha’s
education system. As an alumnus of the university, the behaviour of MLA Shri Prakash Sethi
has deeply hurt him. Ravenshaw University represents the pride, glory, heritage, and Odia
identity of the State. Ironically, the BJP Government, which claims to protect Odia identity,
has itself brought disrepute to this prestigious institution. Instead of ensuring the university’s
progress, the BJP Government has presided over its decline. Various problems continue to
persist due to the Government’s failure to address the university’s issues.
He further stated that it is completely unacceptable for MLA Shri Prakash Sethi to enter
the campus without invitation during the students’ protest and allegedly misbehave with the
professors and faculty members. Former Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik had always made
continuous efforts for the development of Ravenshaw University and transformed it into a
model institution. However, the present BJP Government is now engaged in destroying itshealthy academic environment.
Similarly, Shri Suman Behera said that Ravenshaw University enjoys immense
reputation everywhere, but the BJP Government is determined to destroy its dignity. Since assuming office, the BJP Government has systematically attempted to damage the academic
atmosphere of the university. Through his conduct, MLA Shri Prakash Sethi has once again brought disrepute to Cuttack. The manner in which he allegedly misbehaved with the
teachers is completely unacceptable.
