The political temperature in Odisha has surged as the Odisha Pradesh Student Congress (NSUI) voiced sharp discontent over the ongoing student union election process across the state.
Addressing a press conference in Bhubaneswar, State Student Congress President Bibhuti Bhushan Mohapatra launched a scathing attack on the ruling dispensation, accusing them of trying to manipulate the democratic process.
Mohapatra claimed that the state government is misusing administrative machinery—specifically targeting District Collectors, Superintendents of Police (SPs), and college principals—to secure unfair wins for favoured candidates. A major point of contention raised by the student body is the sudden shift from elections to selections in numerous institutions.
According to the Student Congress, direct voting has been suspended in approximately 206 colleges, where candidates are instead being handpicked through a “selection” process. Labelling it as “election, not selection,” NSUI strongly condemned what it views as a direct attempt to suppress democratic student representation.
This year marks a major milestone as college student union elections return to Odisha after a gap of nearly nine years. Direct polls are scheduled across 13 universities and 328 colleges, with the crucial voting day slated for October 15 following the completion of the nomination phase. Several candidates have already secured uncontested victories in various posts, adding to the competitive fervour.
Despite the controversies, Mohapatra expressed strong confidence in the NSUI’s electoral prospects, predicting a “clean sweep” for the organisation. He urged the administration to maintain strict neutrality and ensure free and fair polls.
With intense rivalry building up among major student factions—including the ABVP, Biju Chhatra Janata Dal (BCJD), and NSUI—coalitions and tactical alliances are also beginning to take shape across several universities. The Student Congress has issued a stern warning to the administration: ensure transparent, direct elections without interference, or face intensified statewide agitations.
