The Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress have accused Odisha’s Mohan Majhi-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government of manipulating the October 15 student union elections amid allegations of political interference, disputed rejection of nominations, and violence.
Student elections were last held in 2017. The Covid-19 pandemic prolonged the suspension of the campus polls. The Odisha Universities (Amendment) Act, which came into force in April 2025, provides for the president and secretary of a university students’ union to become members of its senate. Another BJD lawmaker, Sarada Prasanna Jena, claimed polls had been cancelled in 206 colleges.
The Majhi government announced the resumption of campus elections, fulfilling a promise made two years ago. They could not be held due to Cyclone Titli and incidents of campus violence. Clashes have marred the elections being held after eight years, raising questions about security, the autonomy of educational institutions and adherence to the Lyngdoh Commission guidelines governing student polls. The polls also offer an opportunity for Opposition parties to regain a foothold among young voters. BJD lawmaker Byomkesh Ray alleged that the government is favouring the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student organisation affiliated with BJP’s ideological fount, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. He accused it of getting nominations of BJD-backed candidates rejected. BCJD president Ipsita Sahu alleged that ministers and lawmakers pressured Opposition-backed candidates to withdraw their nominations. She questioned the timing of candidate lists at Utkal University, Rama Devi Women’s University and Ravenshaw University, claiming they were published after 9pm despite being due after scrutiny. Dipankar Rout, a candidate for the president’s post at Kendrapara’s UK Mahabir College, was allegedly assaulted and forced to withdraw his nomination. Students blocked the Rajnagar-Cuttack state highway for nearly five hours in protest. There were also allegations of assault at the hospital where Rout was being treated.
“Elections had been cancelled in more than 50 institutions where the Biju Chhatra Janata Dal (BCJD), the BJD’s student wing, had a strong chance of winning,” he said.
