With the return of student union elections across Odisha, political enthusiasm on university campuses has reached a fever pitch. In accordance with guidelines issued by the state government and respective varsity authorities, nomination filing for the 2026–27 student union elections concluded on Friday at both Utkal University and Rama Devi Women’s University.
A total of 42 candidates submitted nomination papers for various posts at Utkal University. However, one candidate’s nomination was rejected during scrutiny due to failing to meet the mandatory 75% attendance threshold. Consequently, 41 candidates have been officially cleared to contest.
Key Contestants & Key Posts
- President (5 Nominations): Abhiram Mishra, Prachi Priyadarshini Rout, Sk Jainul A, Sourav Behera, and Surya Narayan Nayak.
- General Secretary (4 Candidates): Ayushi Pradhan, Divyadarsan Dash, Sambit Suman Rath, and Soumyaranjan Rout.
- Vice-President: 6 nominations filed.
- Assistant General Secretary: 5 nominations filed.
Nominations were also received for Class Representatives and executive posts across campus societies, including the Athletic Association, Day Scholar Association, Drama Society, and Science Society.
The nomination filing witnessed a grand display of strength, with major student organizations leading rallies accompanied by large crowds of supporters. Campus authorities have deployed extensive security measures to ensure the election proceeds peacefully.
Rama Devi Women’s University Registers 37 Candidates
At Rama Devi Women’s University, nomination papers were filed smoothly at the administrative block within the scheduled time frame. Female students across Undergraduate (+3), Postgraduate (PG), and Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) courses actively participated in the nomination process.
Major Candidates
- President (6 Nominations):
- PG 2nd Year: Sai Arpita Mahapatra, Sonali Behera, Jyoti Priyadarshini Beura, Shruti Rani Bisoi
- PG 1st Year: Biswarupa Mohanty, Prateeksha Das Mahapatra
- General Secretary (2 Candidates): Laxmipriya Biswal and Jyoti Priyadarshini Beura.
- Vice-President: 3 nominations filed.
- General Secretary / Assistant General Secretary: 2 and 4 nominations filed, respectively.
Similar to Utkal University, students also submitted applications for Class Representative positions and leadership roles within the Athletic, Day Scholar, Drama, and Science societies.
University authorities and the Election Oversight Committee remained on high alert throughout the day to prevent any untoward incidents. Following the conclusion of the nomination filing, campaign activities across both campuses have intensified significantly.
