Udit Pradhan, the state president of the National Students Union of India (NSUI) in Odisha, was arrested by Bhubaneswar Police on Sunday in connection with a rape case filed by a young woman. The Congress party immediately expelled Pradhan and suspended him from all responsibilities within the party.

Rape Allegation Dates Back to March

The First Information Report (FIR) was lodged at the Mancheswar police station, alleging that on 18 March 2025, Pradhan had drugged the complainant with a spiked cold drink and raped her at a hotel. Although the incident reportedly occurred four months ago, the FIR was filed only recently. The absence of the complainant’s address in the report has triggered speculation of possible political motives behind the complaint.

Congress Responds Swiftly, But Questions Remain

Soon after the arrest, the Congress party acted quickly by expelling Udit Pradhan and suspending him from the NSUI and the Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee. A committee has been formed to investigate the matter further.

Congress spokesperson Sonali Sahu reiterated the party’s “zero-tolerance policy towards the safety of women,” stating, “We have expelled Udit and are taking the matter very seriously. We will stand by the survivor, just as we did in the Soumyashree case.”

Sahu also indicated that the party would soon meet with the complainant to verify the details of the allegation. She acknowledged the possibility of political conspiracy but insisted that the party would not shield anyone found guilty.

BJP’s Youth Wing ABVP Slams Congress

Reacting sharply, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) took the opportunity to question the Congress’s judgment and internal discipline. Abhilash Panda, president of the ABVP, criticized the Congress for promoting Udit Pradhan despite his alleged involvement in earlier cases of dacoity, fraud, and assault in Khandagiri.

Panda also challenged senior Congress leader Bhakta Charan Das, asking if he would take moral responsibility and resign over the incident, citing his past actions in unrelated cases.

Impact on Student Politics and Upcoming Elections

Pradhan’s arrest comes at a critical juncture with student elections in Odisha just around the corner. His arrest could deeply influence the mood of young voters. The Congress student wing, meanwhile, continues to focus on the Balasore controversy, where an ABVP member was allegedly killed, intensifying the already charged political atmosphere on campuses.

Ongoing Investigation and Political Implications

As the investigation into the allegations continues, serious concerns have emerged about accountability and political ethics within student organizations across Odisha. The incident has added fresh fuel to the ongoing debate over the character and conduct of youth leaders representing mainstream political parties.

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