Campus politics in the capital city reached a peak on Saturday as both Utkal University and Rama Devi Women’s University officially released their final valid candidate lists for the upcoming Student Union Elections.
Following the completion of the nomination withdrawal process, election equations have shifted, setting the stage for an intense campaign period.
29 Candidates in Fray at Utkal University
At Utkal University, out of 41 total nominations filed, 29 candidates remain in the final valid list following withdrawals between 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM. The university authorities released the official list at 3:00 PM.
- Presidential Race: A three-way contest is set between Abhiram Mishra, Sourav Behera, and Surjya Narayan Nayak.
- General Secretary: The top contenders are Ayushi Pradhan, Dibyadarsan Dash, and Sambit Suman Rath.
- Other Key Positions: 4 nominations have been accepted for Vice-President and 4 for Assistant General Secretary, along with multiple candidates contesting for class representative roles and sectional bodies (Sports Union, Day Scholars’ Union, Drama Society, and Science Society).
According to the University Election Committee, the traditional ‘Why I Want to Contest’ meeting will take place on October 14. Polling will be held on October 15 from 8 AM to 2 PM, followed by vote counting and results declaration later that afternoon.
Rama Devi Women’s University Sees 28 Valid Nominations
At Rama Devi Women’s University, 28 valid candidates remain in the race out of 37 initial applicants after the withdrawal period concluded on Saturday.
- Presidential Race: A triangular contest features PG 2nd-year students Sonali Behera and Shruti Rani Bisoi alongside PG 1st-year student Pratikshya Das Mohapatra.
- General Secretary: Laxmipriya Biswal and Jyoti Priyadarshini Beura are actively contesting the position.
- Key Contests & Unopposed Seats: Two candidates each are contesting for Vice-President, General Secretary, and Joint General Secretary. Due to a lack of opposing nominations, candidates for select association positions will be elected unopposed.
Both university administration teams and local police authorities have put stringent security arrangements in place to maintain law, order, and peace across both campuses throughout the campaign and voting period.
