Odisha Campuses Set for Student Polls After 8-Year Gap

Bhubaneswar: Student politics is set to return to college campuses across Odisha after an eight-year hiatus, with the state government preparing to revive student union elections from this month.

The Higher Education Department is in the final stages of preparations and is expected to issue the official election notification on October 7, according to reports.

As per the proposed schedule, candidates will file their nominations on October 9, while polling is scheduled for October 15.

The entire election process is likely to be completed before the Dussehra holidays, with the newly elected student representatives expected to take oath on October 16.

The proposed revival has already set the campuses abuzz, with colleges and student organisations preparing for campaigning, student meetings and discussions on campus-related issues.

The last student union elections in Odisha were held in 2017. Since then, campus polls have remained suspended across the state.

The then BJD government had cited various campus-related issues as reasons for keeping the elections in abeyance.

The COVID-19 pandemic subsequently prolonged the suspension.

The revival of student elections was also a key promise made by the BJP during the 2024 Assembly election campaign.

The party had promised to restore campus democracy if voted to power.

With the government now working towards holding the polls, student politics is poised to make a comeback on Odisha's campuses after eight years.