Tezpur University Turmoil Reaches Assembly; Congress Stages Walkout Over VC Controversy

The escalating unrest at Tezpur University over allegations of corruption and administrative misconduct reached the Assam Legislative Assembly on Saturday, triggering a political storm.

Congress legislators demanded a discussion on the issue, but Speaker Biswajit Daimary denied permission, prompting the party to stage a dramatic walkout.

The controversy centres around Vice-Chancellor Shambhunath Singh, who has been facing serious allegations from students and sections of the academic community.

DY365 has been consistently reporting on the charges levelled against Singh, including alleged corruption, misuse of office and procedural irregularities.

Students Intensify Agitation

Students of Tezpur University have been protesting for several days, demanding the removal of the Vice-Chancellor. On Friday, the agitation took a sharper turn when students burnt the effigy of VC Shambhunath Singh on campus. Effigies of officiating Finance Officer Braja Bandhu Mishra and Chief Executive Engineer Jadav Chandra Nath were also burnt as part of the ongoing protest.

The students allege financial misconduct and arbitrary functioning within the university administration. Among the accusations are procurement irregularities, including a plastic chair reportedly purchased for ₹5,000 and a table for ₹12,000, raising suspicion of inflated pricing and corruption.

Congress Raises Alarm in Assembly

With no action taken so far against any of the officials, the Congress brought the issue to the floor of the Assam Assembly, demanding a full-fledged discussion. However, their request was rejected by the Speaker, leading to loud protests inside the House.

Congress MLAs alleged that an “anti-Assam conspiracy” was underway at Tezpur University and claimed that “an RSS-backed individual has been appointed as Vice-Chancellor.” The members staged a walkout, accusing the government of shielding corruption and remaining silent on student concerns.

CPI(M) MLA Manoranjan Talukdar also walked out of the House, alleging that the RSS was attempting to take control of the university through its appointed VC.

Who is Shambhu Nath Singh?

Shambhunath Singh, formerly a professor at IGNOU, took charge as the Vice-Chancellor of Tezpur University in April 2023. Before this, he served as Vice-Chancellor of Patna University—an appointment that was later quashed by the Patna High Court.

Past allegations against him include:

• Lacking proper qualifications for the VC post

• Distributing fake gold medals

• Accused of physically assaulting a student in 2013

Students claim that corruption increased after he joined Tezpur University. Despite weeks of demonstrations, no action has been taken so far by the government or university authorities.

What Happens Next?

With the issue now spilling into the corridors of the state Assembly and student protests intensifying on campus, all eyes are on the government’s next move. Whether the prolonged agitation will bring justice to students—or be buried under political silence—remains to be seen.

Also Read: 57 Days of Protest: Students Charge Tezpur University VC With Massive Irregularities