An Indian-origin member of the Scottish Green Party has alleged that she was asked to withdraw her candidacy in Scotland’s parliamentary election because of her student visa status, even as another candidate in a similar situation was allowed to contest and later got elected.
Sai Shraddha Suresh Viswanathan, president of the National Union of Students (NUS) Scotland, told BBC News that party officials advised her to step down from the Scottish Parliament election race over concerns that she may not be able to remain in the UK for the full term as a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP).
Viswanathan, who had applied to contest from the North East of Scotland region, said she was ranked third on the party’s internal list after candidate selections last year. However, she said a party official later asked her to withdraw during a phone conversation in July 2025.
Different advice for candidates triggers questions
She told the BBC that the party had received legal advice suggesting she may not be eligible to continue as an MSP if her visa situation changed during the parliamentary term.
At the same time, another Scottish Greens candidate, Q Manivannan, who was also on a student visa, contested the election from the Edinburgh and Lothians East region and was elected as an MSP.
Viswanathan said the differing advice given to candidates showed inconsistency within the party’s internal process.
In a statement to BBC Scotland News, she said, “Ultimately, there has been a discrepancy in how different candidates have been advised by the party.”
She added, “Immigration is a sensitive subject for many migrants like myself who should be allowed to take part in the election process, as the latest election results have shown us.”
Viswanathan also said the experience had taken “a significant toll on [her] health and well-being.”
Party denies blocking candidates over visa status
The issue comes after Scotland changed election laws in 2024 to allow people without permanent residency rights in the UK to stand in Scottish Parliament elections. However, candidates can be disqualified if they lose the legal right to remain in the UK during their term.
The Scottish Greens denied blocking any candidate because of visa status.
A party spokesperson told BBC News, “Candidates are responsible for ensuring they meet all legal and eligibility requirements before standing for election, including any matters relating to their own visa status.”
The spokesperson added, “We can confirm that nobody has been blocked from standing for the Scottish Greens because of their visa status.”
The party said it would support Manivannan as they apply for a graduate visa to continue staying in Scotland.
The Scottish Greens secured 15 MSPs in the latest Holyrood election, marking the party’s biggest representation in the Scottish Parliament so far.
