Satyam Surana, an Indian student known for his courageous act during an attack on the Indian High Commission in the United Kingdom last year, is now speaking out against what he claims to be a hate and smear campaign targeted at him during the recent student union elections at the London School of Economics (LSE).
According to Surana, just 12 hours before the voting commenced, a meticulously planned campaign was launched against him. He alleges that he was linked with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and labeled as a ‘fascist’ in an attempt to boycott him and his campaign.
The Pune-born student, currently pursuing an LLM at LSE, recounted a series of incidents leading up to the elections. His campaign posters were repeatedly torn and defaced, and inflammatory messages started circulating across various student groups on March 17, accusing him of being a BJP supporter and making derogatory remarks.
People are now Anti-India because they are Anti-Modi‼️
They attempted to harass me. I was cancelled, I was slurred.
Why?
– Because I supported PM Modi.
– Because I supported BJP.
– Because I spoke up for the truth when the Ram Mandir was built.
– Because I supported the… pic.twitter.com/OArzoof3aN— Satyam Surana (@SatyamSurana) March 25, 2024
Surana emphasized that his campaign was focused solely on campus issues, with his manifesto containing no political points. Despite initially garnering overwhelming support, the hate campaign derailed his chances of success, leaving him and his campaign team in shock and dismay.
Reflecting on his previous media coverage when he picked up the national flag during the attack on the Indian High Commission, Surana stressed his advocacy for his country. However, he reiterated that his political views should not have influenced student union elections in the UK.
Surana also highlighted the targeting of his association with political figures, particularly his photograph with Maharashtra Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis. He believes that the smear campaign was orchestrated by left-wing groups aiming to discredit him due to his perceived association with the right-wing.
When asked about the origins of the hate campaign, Surana revealed that it was initiated by an Indian individual, with most participants being Indians. He condemned the actions of his fellow Indian students, expressing disbelief at their role in tarnishing India’s sovereignty and integrity.
Despite receiving support during the initial phase of the campaign, Surana failed to secure victory, attributing his loss to the targeted smear campaign. He acknowledged the impact of the campaign on his campus life, lamenting the involvement of fellow Indian students in spreading false and malicious information.
In conclusion, Surana’s experience sheds light on the challenges faced by students involved in campus politics and the influence of external political affiliations. His ordeal underscores the importance of integrity and fairness in student elections, free from divisive agendas and smear tactics.
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