The prospect of student union elections in Odisha remains shrouded in uncertainty, leaving student leaders and aspirants in a state of anticipation. While Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj has expressed a positive outlook toward conducting college elections, the absence of an official notification has fueled doubts about whether the elections will take place this year.
Traditionally, student union elections in Odisha are held before the Dussehra holidays. However, with mid-September already past and no notification issued, concerns are mounting among students and political groups. The delay has drawn sharp criticism from opposition student wings, including the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Congress, who accuse the government of failing to honour its commitments. They claim the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is hesitant due to the weak organisational structure of its student wing, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), and fears of electoral defeat.
Minister Suraj has reiterated the government’s positive stance, hinting at the possibility of elections but stopping short of providing concrete details. “We are positive about college elections, and the state government has already clarified its intent,” he said. However, the lack of a published academic calendar or election schedule has left stakeholders sceptical.
The BJD’s student wing leader, Ipsita Sahu, criticised the government, stating, “The government is adept at making U-turns. They’ve conducted internal surveys and realised their position on campuses isn’t strong. After the Balasore incident, ABVP is on the back foot, and the government is treading cautiously.” Sahu warned that if elections are not held before the Puja holidays, they may not happen at all, as the academic calendar remains unprepared.
Manoj Biswal, former general secretary of the Utkal University Students’ Union, echoed similar sentiments, emphasising the need for student elections to nurture leadership. “Suppressing student union elections is like stifling democracy. Even the Supreme Court Chief Justice has expressed displeasure over such bans. Odisha needs its student and youth leaders,” he said. Biswal, representing Congress, warned that the party would launch protests if elections are not conducted.
The ABVP, on the other hand, has defended its position, stating it has been vocal in demanding elections through protests. “Those who previously banned student elections have no moral right to criticise us,” an ABVP spokesperson said, referencing the BJD’s past decision to halt such polls.
According to the Lyngdoh Committee guidelines, a notification for student elections should be issued 45 days in advance. While other states have already initiated their election processes, Odisha lags, raising questions about the government’s commitment.
As the Dussehra holidays approach, the absence of clarity continues to fuel discontent among student organisations, with many preparing to escalate their demands through protests if the government fails to act.
