After a long hiatus of eight years, student union elections are set to return to campuses across Odisha on October 15, 2026.
In light of this, Director General of Police (DGP) Vinayotosh Mishra has issued a stern warning, declaring that violence and indiscipline on campuses will not be tolerated under any circumstances.
During a high-level video conference with all district Superintendents of Police (SPs), the DGP emphasised strict surveillance of outsiders and non-students attempting to create disturbances in student politics. Campus entry and election campaigning by non-students have been strictly barred.
According to the schedule released by the Higher Education Department, the election process will kick off with notification on October 7, followed by nominations on October 9, withdrawal and final candidate publication on October 10, the “Why I Stand For” meeting on October 14, and polling along with results on October 15. The swearing-in ceremony for newly elected representatives will take place on October 16.
Following the recommendations of the Lyngdoh Committee, direct political party interference remains prohibited, and each candidate’s election expenditure is capped at 5,000 rupees. Violation of these rules may lead to immediate cancellation of candidature as local police administrations step up security to ensure a peaceful election process.
