Ashoka University says research paper hinting manipulation in 2019 elections ‘not reviewed’

NEW DELHI : Ashoka University has expressed disappointment over the debate on a research paper published by one of its faculty members suggesting voter manipulation in 2019 elections wherein the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won and the university’s stand on it. Economics assistant professor Sabyasachi Das published a paper titled “Democratic Backsliding in the World’s Largest Democracy” which talks about “irregular patterns” in 2019 general elections in the country.

In the research paper, the professor claims to provide evidence that the irregularity in elections was due to ‘electoral manipulation’ rather than ‘precise control’ by the winning party.

The university’s statement came after the paper caught attention of several academicians and political personalities including Shashi Tharoor who called it “hugely troubling” and demanded explanation from the Indian government.

This thread offers a hugely troubling analysis for all lovers of Indian democracy. If the Election Commission and/or the Government of India have answers available to refute these arguments, they should provide them in detail. The evidence presented does not lend itself to… https://t.co/intL81n9nH

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) August 1, 2023

“Ashoka University is dismayed by the speculation and debate around a recent paper by one of its faculty members (Sabyasachi Das, Assistant Professor of Economics) and the university's position on its contents,” the university said in a statement issued on its official Twitter account.

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The university argued that while it encourages its over 160 faculty members to carry out research, it does not direct or approve individual research projects by the professors. It clarified that the paper has not been reviewed and not published in an academic journal. “Ashoka values research that is critically peer-reviewed and published in reputed journals. To the best of our knowledge, the paper in question has not yet completed a critical review process and has not been published in an academic journal,” it said.

Ashoka University is dismayed by the speculation and debate around a recent paper by one of its faculty members (Sabyasachi Das, Assistant Professor of Economics) and the university's position on its contents.

As a matter of record, Ashoka University is focused on excellence in…

— Ashoka University (@AshokaUniv) August 1, 2023

“As a matter of record, Ashoka University is focused on excellence in teaching and research across multiple disciplines, with a vision to build India's finest university, create social impact and contribute to nation-building,” the university defended.

Ashoka University further stated that the personal social media activities and public activism of its faculty, students and staff does not reflect its stand.