Sai Shraddha Suresh Viswanathan, who currently serves as president of the National Union of Students Scotland, alleged that she was advised to step down from the Holyrood elections despite being placed third on the Scottish Green Party’s internal candidate list for the North East of Scotland region during selections held last year. She stated that the decision followed concerns raised in July 2025 regarding whether her student visa status would allow her to remain in Scotland for the full duration of a Member of the Scottish Parliament term.
Viswanathan claimed that she was informed during a phone conversation with a party official that she should withdraw her candidacy. She further stated that another candidate of Indian origin, Q Manivannan, who was also on a student visa, was permitted to contest and was subsequently elected as a Member of the Scottish Parliament representing the Edinburgh and Lothians East region, intensifying scrutiny over the consistency of the party’s internal guidance.
Legal amendments introduced in 2024 to Scottish electoral law permit individuals without permanent residency rights in the United Kingdom to contest elections to the Scottish Parliament. However, the framework also provides that elected representatives may be disqualified if they subsequently lose the legal right to remain in the country.
Viswanathan, speaking in a statement referenced by BBC Scotland News under BBC Scotland News, said she felt “let down” by the party and described the withdrawal request as having a significant impact on her health and well-being. She added that while she welcomed the electoral success of fellow members, her own experience had been deeply distressing.
She also commented that immigration remains a sensitive issue for migrants and argued that individuals in similar circumstances should be able to participate fully in the electoral process, especially in light of recent election outcomes.
The Scottish Green Party under Scottish Green Party rejected allegations that any candidate had been blocked on the basis of visa status. A party spokesperson stated that all candidates are responsible for ensuring they meet legal and eligibility requirements before standing for election, including compliance with visa conditions.
The spokesperson further clarified that while the party provides general guidance to candidates, it does not interfere in individual eligibility decisions and confirmed that no candidate had been prevented from standing due to visa-related concerns. The party also expressed confidence that its internal processes were conducted appropriately.
The matter arose in the context of the Scottish Parliament under Scottish Parliament elections, where the Scottish Greens secured 15 seats, marking their strongest representation to date in the legislative body.
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