Bhubaneswar: Citing “law-and-order concerns” and “campus disturbances”, students’ union elections have been cancelled at several colleges across Odisha. This has triggered protests, campus unrest and sine die declarations at some institutions.
Students and student organisations have opposed the cancellations, alleging “unfair treatment” of candidates.
In Nayagada district, the district administration cancelled elections at Prajamandal Women’s College and Model Degree College at Lathipada, citing the possibility of a “law-and-order situation”. The decisions drew strong opposition from the Biju Chhatra Janata Dal (BCJD).
In Nabarangpur district, Model Degree College was closed sine die following protests and political unrest after the cancellation of the elections. An official notification said, “Polls had been cancelled because eligible candidates were unavailable.” The college ordered an immediate, indefinite closure, citing the “safety of students, staff and institutional property.”
In the same district, a dispute over the election at Umerkote College reportedly led to a “clash between two groups of non-students, leaving two people critically injured.” One of them was allegedly stabbed and shifted to Visakhapatnam after his condition deteriorated.
In Bhadrak district, elections at Bhadrak Women’s College and Naami College in Bhandaripokhari were cancelled Friday after the nomination process had begun. The principals cited “safety concerns and the need to maintain discipline on campus.” Students at Bhadrak Women’s College opposed the decision, alleging that they had not been officially informed about the cancellation.
Khariar Autonomous College in Nuapada district also cancelled its student union election and closed indefinitely amid tension on campus. In a notice issued October 11, the principal-in-charge informed students and candidates that the election for the 2026-27 academic session, scheduled for October 15, had been called off.
In Puri district, Gop College cancelled its election following reports of “disorder and tension on campus”. The principal announced an indefinite closure after an order from the Puri Sub-Collector. Students reportedly locked the main gate and raised slogans against the principal.
Debagada Degree College was also closed sine die after “tension developed” following the rejection of a presidential candidate’s nomination. In Kendrapada district, the election at UK Mahavir College in Pattamundai was cancelled, and the institution was closed indefinitely following disturbances.
Meanwhile, protests were reported at a college in Aska in Ganjam district after its student union election was cancelled and the institution announced an indefinite closure. Students demanded that the polls be held afresh.
The developments have raised concerns over the conduct of student union elections across the state, with several institutions taking preventive measures amid disputes over nominations, candidate eligibility and campus security. The college names listed above are not exhaustive in nature. Our reporting is based on the latest available information.
