After a prolonged hiatus of eight years, the corridors of higher education institutions across Odisha are once again echoing with political slogans, dance beats, and festive excitement.
Following the state government’s official announcement of student union elections, prominent campuses in Bhubaneswar—including Rama Devi Women’s University and BJB Autonomous College—have transformed into vibrant hubs of political activity.
A Joyful Return to Campus Democracy
The last student union elections in the state were held back in 2018. With the government greenlighting the revival of polls, students have welcomed the decision with open arms. At Rama Devi Women’s University, students celebrated the announcement with dance and music, expressing their excitement over participating in active campus democracy after nearly a decade.
Similarly, at BJB Autonomous College, students marked the occasion by bursting firecrackers and raising high-voltage slogans. Aspiring student leaders and their supporters have already kicked off high-intensity campaigns, turning the college premises into a festive ground of political enthusiasm.
Key Election Schedule & Strict Guidelines
To ensure a smooth, transparent, and peaceful election process, the state government and college authorities have laid out a strict schedule and code of conduct:
-
October 7: Election notification published.
-
October 9: Filing of nomination papers by candidates.
-
October 15: Polling day across all colleges and universities in the state.
-
October 16: Oath-taking ceremony for newly elected representatives.
To maintain discipline and curb excessive spending, authorities have capped the candidate campaign expenditure at a strict limit of 5,000 rupees.
Security and Administration on High Alert
With high-voltage campaigning underway, college authorities and the Higher Education Department are taking no chances regarding law and order. Special security measures are being implemented across campuses, and administrative meetings have already been held to ensure a peaceful election environment.
As the nomination phase draws closer, the election fever in Bhubaneswar is expected to intensify further, reshaping the landscape of student politics in Odisha.
ABVP Thanks CM and Higher Education Minister
The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) organised celebrations and processions across various campuses to thank Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj at Rama Devi University.
Student activists viewed the long-awaited announcement as a major victory for campus democracy and leadership development.
