Why Are Student Union Elections in Odisha Facing Cancellation? Protests Erupt Across Colleges!
Student Union Elections Cancelled Amid Protests
Bhubaneswar: Due to concerns regarding law and order and potential disturbances on campus, numerous colleges in Odisha have decided to cancel their student union elections. This has led to widespread protests and unrest among students, with some institutions declaring indefinite closures.
Student organizations have voiced their opposition to these cancellations, claiming that candidates are being treated unfairly.
In Nayagada district, the district administration called off elections at Prajamandal Women’s College and Model Degree College in Lathipada, citing fears of a law-and-order crisis. This decision faced strong backlash from the Biju Chhatra Janata Dal (BCJD).
In Nabarangpur district, Model Degree College was shut down indefinitely following protests and political unrest triggered by the election cancellations. An official statement indicated that the elections were called off due to the unavailability of eligible candidates, leading to an immediate closure for the safety of students and staff.
Additionally, a dispute over elections at Umerkote College reportedly resulted in a clash between two groups of non-students, leaving two individuals critically injured, one of whom was stabbed and required transfer to Visakhapatnam for treatment.
In Bhadrak district, elections at Bhadrak Women’s College and Naami College in Bhandaripokhari were cancelled after the nomination process had commenced. The principals cited safety concerns and the necessity to maintain discipline on campus. Students at Bhadrak Women’s College protested the decision, claiming they were not officially informed about the cancellations.
Khariar Autonomous College in Nuapada district also cancelled its student union elections and announced an indefinite closure due to rising tensions on campus. A notice issued on October 11 informed students that the elections scheduled for October 15 were cancelled.
In Puri district, Gop College cancelled its elections following reports of disorder and tension, leading to an indefinite closure ordered by the Puri Sub-Collector. Students reportedly locked the main gate and protested against the principal.
Debagada Degree College was also closed indefinitely after tensions arose following the rejection of a presidential candidate's nomination. In Kendrapada district, UK Mahavir College in Pattamundai cancelled its elections and closed indefinitely due to disturbances.
Meanwhile, protests erupted at a college in Aska, Ganjam district, after the cancellation of its student union elections, with students demanding a fresh election.
These events have raised significant concerns regarding the management of student union elections throughout the state, prompting several institutions to take precautionary measures amid disputes over nominations, candidate eligibility, and campus security. The colleges mentioned are not an exhaustive list, and this report is based on the most recent information available.