Kataka: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi Sunday congratulated newly elected student representatives from colleges and universities across the state, saying the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad’s (ABVP) historic victory demonstrated the youth’s support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s development policies.
Addressing a felicitation ceremony at the Indoor Stadium in Kataka, Majhi said student union elections had remained suspended since 2017 under the previous government, depriving campuses of democratic participation for nearly a decade.
He criticised the previous dispensation, alleging that its senior leaders, including the then Higher Education minister, had remained silent instead of questioning the decision to suspend the elections.
Despite several leaders having begun their political careers through student movements, they had failed to speak up because they lacked faith in the student community, he claimed.
Majhi said that when his government decided to restore student union elections, attempts were made to discourage the move by citing arguments that the political atmosphere in the country was unfavourable and that Generation Z was dissatisfied.
“However, we fulfilled our promise and conducted the elections peacefully and in an orderly manner across the state,” he said, adding that students had demonstrated that campus violence was a legacy of the previous government.
The Chief Minister said the peaceful completion of the elections was a strong response from the youth to the previous dispensation.
He also drew a parallel with Delhi University, stating that ABVP’s historic performance in Odisha reflected young people’s confidence in Modi’s development agenda.
Congratulating the newly elected representatives, Majhi cautioned them against becoming complacent after their victory, describing it as the beginning of a significant responsibility rather than a reason for arrogance.
He said student leaders must go beyond politics and work towards resolving the everyday problems faced by students, particularly those related to education, hostel facilities and sports infrastructure.
They should also act as a bridge between the government and students to ensure that the benefits of various welfare schemes reach every eligible student, he said.
Majhi stressed the need for student representatives to coordinate with college authorities to keep campuses free from violence and substance abuse.
He urged them to promote a safe, disciplined and constructive academic environment. Calling upon the young leaders to counter misinformation with positive messages, the Chief Minister said they should play an active role in building a prosperous and developed Odisha.
He urged the student representatives to uphold the ideals of “knowledge, character and unity” and contribute to strengthening democratic values and the country’s constitutional framework.