KISS student murder case: Storm over campaign comparing Achyuta Samanta with B.R. Ambedkar

Amid mounting questions over the murder of a tribal student at the Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS), a fresh controversy has erupted over an alleged social media campaign projecting KISS and KIIT management and its founder Achyuta Samanta, in a favourable light, even as the institution faces criticism for its handling of the incident.

Critics allege that while the administration remains under pressure to respond to the circumstances surrounding the student’s murder, a parallel effort is reportedly underway on social media to repair the image of the KISS and KIIT management. According to activists, certain individuals have been engaged to run coordinated online campaigns portraying the institutions and Samanta in a glorified manner.

Several social media posts have gone to the extent of describing KISS as a ‘wonder’ and presenting its leadership in exalted terms. In some instances, Samanta has been reportedly compared with Dr B.R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution, with supporters referring to him as a ‘second Ambedkar’.

 Such comparisons have sparked sharp reactions from various quarters, who have termed them inappropriate and insensitive, particularly in the context of the tribal student’s death.

“I have been hearing about Achyuta Samanta and his institutions for a long time. Reports have surfaced in the past alleging the grabbing of tribal and government land. Several students, including female students, have reportedly died in these institutions, but no proper investigation was conducted. He is receiving funding in the name of educating tribal students. How justified is it to exploit others in the name of helping tribals?” said Prabhat Panda, labour and tribal leader, CPIM.

Kadraka Appalaswamy, Rayagada MLA, said, “There is a vast difference between Achyuta Samanta and Dr B.R. Ambedkar, who is the chief architect of the Indian Constitution. Comparing the two is completely unjustified, and we do not accept it. If anyone has made such a comparison, they must reconsider it.” 

Echoing similar views, Albert Kindo, a resident of Rajgangpur, strongly condemned the comparison. “It is highly objectionable to compare Achyuta Samanta with Dr B.R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution. Such a comparison is very unfortunate,” he said.

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Rakesh Singh, president of the Dalit Adivasi Mahasangh in Mayurbhanj, went a step further in criticising the remarks. “This is nothing but a mockery. People who are unaware of history are making such comparisons. Dr B.R. Ambedkar was the voice and face of the Dalit community. Comparing Achyuta Samanta with him reflects utter ignorance,” Singh said.

“No one can take the place of Dr B.R. Ambedkar, the chief architect of the Indian Constitution. Certain posts circulating on social media comparing Achyuta Samanta with Dr Ambedkar are extremely unfortunate and deserve strong condemnation,” said Sarat Panigrahi, chairman of the Nabarangpur Baba Saheb Ambedkar Bichara Mancha.

Kamal Charan Tandi, state president of the Dalit Adhikar Mancha, termed the comparison an insult to the Constitution and to Dr Ambedkar. “Has Achyuta Samanta written the Constitution? Has he ever led struggles for the underprivileged or raised his voice in protest for their rights?” Tandi asked, questioning the basis of such comparisons.

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Repeated attempts to seek a response from the KISS and KIIT authorities on the allegations and the alleged social media campaign were unsuccessful till the filing of this report.