Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi Wednesday said his government gave the go-ahead for students’ union elections across colleges and universities in the state only after the ABVP assured him of victory.
Majhi made the remarks while addressing a state-level conference of the RSS-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), attended by more than 8,000 delegates.
Colleges and universities across Odisha held students’ union elections last month after an eight-year gap. The BJP promised in its 2024 election manifesto to resume campus elections, which were stopped by the previous BJD government.
A number of questions were raised over holding students’ union elections in the state. There were different views on whether the ABVP was prepared for the campus elections. I granted permission for conducting the campus polls only after the state ABVP leaders assured me of their victory. Finally, the ABVP registered a grand success in the campus elections. This is called the power of organisation, Majhi said.
Describing the youth as game changers, the chief minister said the large gathering reflected growing faith among students and young people in the organisation.
He urged the ABVP leaders to put nation first and work accordingly.
I also suggested students and youths to become job creators instead of seeking jobs anywhere, he said.
Majhi also spoke about several initiatives undertaken by his government for students and said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s priorities included youth, women and farmers.
He also urged young people to remain alert about forces allegedly working against the country’s interests.
ABVP national general secretary Virendra Singh Solanki said the outfit’s historic victories in 208 colleges and a clean sweep across eight universities mark a new chapter in Odisha’s student politics.
Former Ranchi University vice-chancellor Kshiti Bhushan Das, who was also present at the conference, said ABVP should continue working towards meeting students’ aspirations and expectations.
