This was stated by Secretary to CM (5T) V K Pandian when he interacted with the college students of Khurda district at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar on Monday as per the direction of the Chief Minister.

During the programme, Pandian conveyed the vision of the Chief Minister for creating of “Nua Odisha” and efforts towards transformation of the state. He emphasised that the students will be the main force towards making of a “Nua Odisha” and motivated them to aim high and work hard to achieve the goals, an official release said.

The 5T Secretary assured support of government towards providing them all facilities for their studies. He encouraged them to focus on personality development. Physical fitness and mental strength are key parameters of success. He asked them to exercise for at least 30 minutes every day and do meditation for 15 minutes daily.

Students from the government and aided colleges in of the district attended the programme.

However, the programme evoked criticism from different circles, including opposition political parties and some sections of students.

State Congress student wing president Yashir Nawaz alleged that independence of college campus has come under attack and students are being forced to participate political activities of the ruling party in the state.

Using coercive methods to drag students into political activities is not healthy for democracy, he said. Moreover, the students had been told that they would be interacting with the Chief Minister, but it was the 5T secretary who addressed them, he said.

A student of BJB College, Bhubaneswar claimed that Biju Chhatra Janata Dal activists threatened the students and forced them to attend the event at Janata Maidan.