Tension briefly gripped the Gopabandhu Regional Degree College in Kalimela, Malkangiri district, following allegations of irregularities in the upcoming student union elections.
Eligible candidates staged a strong protest in front of the college gates, accusing authorities of favouring ineligible applicants during the nomination scrutiny.
The dispute arose after eligible students alleged that college authorities overlooked rules regarding age limits and academic arrears for certain candidates.
The protest created a volatile situation on campus. Prompt intervention by Kalimela Police Station IIC Prabhudutta Biswal and Tehsildar Ramkrishna Satya Rajguru helped defuse the situation.
Following discussions with Principal Prashant Kumar Mishra, authorities agreed to disqualify ineligible candidates, prompting students to call off their protest.
With the document verification completed, final lists for various posts—including president, vice-president, and general secretary—were announced. Two candidates, Muta Soyam (DSA Secretary) and Himanshu Harijan (Athletic Secretary), were elected uncontested. Voting for the remaining positions is scheduled for Oct 15, 2026.
