Odisha Campus Polls Return After Eight Years, Voting Underway Across 346 Colleges and 13 Universities
Bhubaneswar: Student union elections have commenced across Odisha, with voting underway in 346 colleges and 13 universities, marking the return of campus polls after an eight-year hiatus.
Polling began at 8 AM and will continue until 2 PM, with counting scheduled later in the day. Election officials expect results to be declared soon after the completion of the counting process.
The elections have generated significant enthusiasm among students, with hundreds of candidates contesting various union posts.
The contest for the president’s position has emerged as one of the most competitive, reflecting strong student engagement in campus governance and leadership.
At major institutions, including Utkal University, student organisations such as ABVP, BCJD and NSUI are locked in closely contested battles.
The elections are being closely watched as they are expected to shape student leadership across the state’s higher educational institutions.
To ensure peaceful polling, authorities have implemented strict security measures across campuses.
Police personnel have been deployed at sensitive locations, while senior officers are monitoring the situation to prevent any disruption.
Hostel regulations and restrictions on unauthorised posters and banners were enforced ahead of polling.
Security arrangements were further strengthened following reports of minor tensions and clashes during the campaign period.
Acting on directions from Odisha Director General of Police Vinaytosh Mishra, police teams, special camps and rapid-response units have been stationed at strategic locations to maintain law and order.
With large-scale participation from students and extensive administrative preparations, the elections are being seen as a significant step in reviving student democracy in Odisha’s educational institutions.
