Following a high-intensity, day-and-night campaign marked by fierce debates and heavy security, the results for 285 colleges and universities across Odisha have officially been declared.
The state’s first major campus elections in eight years turned into a closely contested battle between the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and the Biju Chhatra Janata Dal (BCJD), with both student wings claiming overall victory.
According to aggregated state data:
- Degree Colleges: Out of 247 degree colleges reporting by 10:00 PM on Thursday, a total of 2,602 candidates secured victories—with 1,169 elected uncontested.
- University Level: Across six major state universities, 66 candidates emerged victorious (42 through contested polls and 24 uncontested).
- Presidential Tally Claims: Unofficial organizational tallies report that the ABVP secured 142 presidential posts, while the BCJD captured 121. Candidates backed by the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) won presidential seats in 5 colleges.
Major University Outcomes: ABVP Sweeps Utkal, BCJD Claims Rama Devi
The counting process stretched well into the early morning hours on Friday, reflecting an atmosphere reminiscent of assembly election counting nights:
- Utkal University (Vani Vihar): ABVP registered a historic victory, securing both the presidential and general secretary posts, while the BCJD failed to open its account on the campus.
- Rama Devi Women’s University: Following hours of disputes over ballot counting that delayed results until approximately 2:35 AM on Friday, the BCJD staged a clean sweep. The BJD youth wing won the posts of president, vice president, general secretary, joint general secretary, and all key executive seats by decisive margins.
- Regional Strongholds: ABVP dominated key Bhubaneswar institutions including BJB Autonomous College and Rajdhani College, alongside Gangadhar Meher University (GMU) in Sambalpur.
- Mixed Mandates & Independents: Ravenshaw University in Cuttack and Fakir Mohan University in Balasore yielded mixed mandates split between ABVP and BCJD. Meanwhile, Independent candidates triumphed at Shailabala Women’s College, Khallikote College, and Nimapara College.
Oath-Taking Ceremony Set for Today
The revival of active campus politics after an eight-year hiatus sparked enthusiasm and spirited celebrations across district headquarters.
Newly elected student union representatives across all universities and colleges are scheduled to take their official oaths of office on Friday, formally launching their tenures and establishing student representation across Odisha’s higher education institutions.
