Student union elections returned to campuses across Odisha this week after an eight-year hiatus, resulting in a flurry of conflicting victory claims from the student wings of major political parties. The polls, which were conducted across 346 colleges and 13 universities in the state, saw a total of 6,891 candidates in the fray. According to official figures, 1,398 candidates were elected, with 756 winning unopposed and 642 securing their positions through contests.
The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the RSS, claimed a significant breakthrough by securing victories in eight out of the 13 state universities. ABVP state secretary Diptimayee Pratihari stated that the organisation won eight president posts, eight vice-president positions, 10 secretary roles, and 11 assistant general secretary slots. The group claimed a clean sweep of the panel at Utkal University and a majority of posts at Ravenshaw University, excluding the president’s seat. However, Pratihari acknowledged a defeat at Rama Devi Women's University and alleged that rival organizations utilized money and muscle power during the electoral process.
The Biju Chhatra Janata Dal (BCJD), the student wing of the opposition BJD, contested these figures, asserting that its candidates maintained a dominant presence across the state. BCJD president Ipsita Sahoo told reporters that their candidates won in approximately 55 to 60 per cent of the unions across Odisha, including the prominent Rama Devi Women’s University and Ravenshaw University. Sahoo described the win at the women's university as a birthday gift to former chief minister Naveen Patnaik, who celebrated his 80th birthday on the same day.
The National Students' Union of India (NSUI), the students' wing of the Congress, also claimed electoral successes. State president Bibhuti Bhusan Mohapatra stated that the organisation secured president positions in 30 colleges across the state, including in regions such as Chitrokonda, Kantabanji, and Luisingha. Furthermore, the NSUI claimed it remained the runner-up in another 80 colleges. While student union elections in Odisha are technically not conducted on official political party lines, the backing of these organisations plays a central role in the campaigning process.
The results drew strong reactions from political leaders, highlighting the significance of campus politics in the state. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi congratulated the ABVP on its performance, describing the outcome as a symbol of the youth's faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Majhi alleged that the previous BJD government had suspended the elections for years to serve its own political interests and praised the current administration for restoring what he termed the democratic spirit on campuses.
In response, BJD president Naveen Patnaik accused the BJP of employing unfair methods to influence the election outcomes. He commended the leaders of the BCJD for standing against what he described as a conspiracy by the government to win through injustice. Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida retaliated by stating that the BJD was fearful of the youth, which was the primary reason the previous government had refrained from holding these elections since 2016.
As the dust settles on the polls, the debate over the results reflects the broader political landscape in Odisha. While the ABVP maintains that its success signifies the growing appeal of its 'Nation First' ideology among Gen Z, the opposition remains firm in its stance regarding its own electoral gains. With the student unions now re-established, attention shifts to how these newly elected representatives will manage their academic duties and the responsibilities of their roles in the coming term.
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