Author of research paper suggesting BJP's electoral fraud resigns from Ashoka University
text_fields
New Delhi: Sabyasachi Das, Assistant Professor of Economics at Ashoka University, whose research paper titled 'Democratic Backsliding in the World’s Largest Democracy,' which suggested electoral fraud by the ruling BJP during the 2019 general elections, is reported to have resigned from the university.
The paper has ignited a firestorm of debate and speculation, prompting the university to distance itself from the contentious findings.
The paper, which gained significant traction on social media, claimed that the BJP potentially committed electoral fraud in the closely contested 2019 elections. Das pointed out that the BJP won an unusually high number of seats in constituencies where their victory was closely contested. This pattern of 'disproportionate' wins was particularly noticeable in states ruled by the BJP at the time.
Das suggested two possible explanations for these patterns: either the BJP engaged in electoral fraud or it strategically mobilized its resources and workers to campaign more intensively in closely contested areas. The paper further delved into potential manipulation at various levels, including voter registration and turnout.
Ashoka University's response to the paper has fueled the controversy. The institution issued a statement expressing "dismay" at the speculation surrounding the paper, emphasizing that it had not undergone a rigorous review process or been published in an established academic journal.
The statement also highlighted that individual social media activity or activism by faculty, students, or staff did not represent the university's official stance.
Intriguingly, Das's departure from the university has added another layer of complexity to the situation. While Ashoka University has yet to officially comment on the resignation, two faculty members have confirmed his departure.
Das, however, remained tight-lipped about his resignation, hinting that he wished to focus on getting his paper published before engaging with the media.
