Tensions erupted in Balangir over the past two days surrounding student union elections, leading to the arrest of Biju Chhatra Janata Dal (BCJD) district president Suman Nand, widespread protests by Biju Janata Dal (BJD) workers, and the eventual cancellation of elections at Rajendra University.
Nand was arrested on charges of allegedly threatening and abducting an ABVP student leader. He was produced in court on Tuesday. BJD leaders strongly condemned the move, describing the arrest as illegal and driven by political vendetta. They accused the police of acting under pressure from the ruling party.
In the evening, after Nand’s court production, scores of BJD leaders and workers staged a protest outside Town Police Station. The demonstration, which lasted nearly two hours, turned dramatic at times. Zilla Parishad Chairperson Debaki Sahu and Balangir Municipality Chairperson Lika Sahu led hundreds of women activists in a sit-in, demanding the withdrawal of what they called a fabricated case.
BJD state secretary Laxman Kumar Meher alleged that ABVP, fearing defeat in the college elections, was engineering false cases against BCJD student leaders. He further claimed that some BJP ministers were involved in the conspiracy and misusing power to influence the student body polls.
Among those present at the protest were councillors, Nagar Sabhapati Shambhu Nag, Irshad Khan, Golap Bag, Gangadhar Chand, Munu Podh, Shatrughan Nag, Manoj D, Debadatta Behera, Bibhuti Bhushan Mishra, and hundreds of party workers.
In a related incident, Yuva BJD working president Rajendra Hota was booked at Laxmi Jore police station for allegedly attacking a BJYM member, Subrat Sahu. Police detained both sides for questioning before releasing them later in the afternoon.
Balangir MLA Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo took to X to strongly criticise Nand’s arrest. He questioned the police’s actions, alleging they were carried out under ruling party pressure, and said the government had failed to ensure free and fair student elections.
The unrest spilled over to Rajendra University, creating a charged atmosphere. Protests and demonstrations were also held outside Laxmi Jore and Town police stations. Late at night, university authorities cancelled the student union elections following an emergency meeting at the Vice-Chancellor’s office. A notification (No. 2470/RU dated 14.10.2026) issued by the Registrar confirmed the decision, sparking concern in various circles.
Sadar SDPO Saroj Upadhyay said additional police teams had been deployed to maintain law and order, and the situation was under close watch.
The developments highlight the high stakes and deep political divides surrounding student politics in the region.
