Polling for student union elections across colleges and universities in Odisha concluded peacefully on Wednesday, ending an eight-year hiatus.
Twin-city Police Commissioner S. Dev Datta Singh confirmed that the voting process in Bhubaneswar and Kataka finished without any major disruptions.
Polling began at 8 AM and continued until 2 PM across roughly 344 to 346 colleges and 13 state universities, featuring over 6,800 candidates. Notable institutions like Utkal University and Ravenshaw University saw extensive deployment—including 18 police platoons in Kataka and 20 in Bhubaneswar—to safeguard campuses and restrict unauthorised outsiders.
Though brief tensions flared between rival student factions at Utkal University prior to polling day, security forces swiftly intervened to stabilise the situation.
Vote counting commenced at 3 PM, with official results expected by evening, and formal oath-taking ceremonies for winning candidates slated for Thursday.
Authorities have urged students to maintain discipline and peace across campuses as the election cycle concludes successfully.
