Bhubaneswar, Oct 15 Students’ union elections across Odisha were held on Thursday after eight years amid sporadic tensions, with results declared in 153 colleges, officials said.
Polling was conducted from 8 am to 2 pm at 346 state-run colleges and 13 universities under tight security, they said.
Counting began after voting ended, and the results were declared at 153 colleges. Among the prominent institutions where counting was continuing were Utkal University and RD Women’s University in Bhubaneswar.
A total of 6,891 candidates were in the fray, of whom 1,398 were elected. Of them, 756 won unopposed, while 642 were elected through contests, officials said.
Counting was halted at RD Women’s University after candidates’ agents walked out of the counting centre over certain issues. At Utkal University, counting continued till 10 pm, but the results are yet to be declared.
Following a protest by NSUI members, Utkal University authorities assured them the results would be declared by midnight.
ABVP leader Pratyush Ranjan Dass claimed that the RSS-affiliated outfit had won students’ union elections in 112 colleges and secured all posts in six universities.
“We have also won all posts in two other universities, except the president’s post,” he claimed.
Biju Chhatra Janata Dal (BCJD) president Ipsita Sahoo claimed that the outfit was ahead of the ABVP in several colleges.
The Congress-affiliated NSUI is yet to comment on the results.
Meanwhile, BJD vice-president Sanjay Das Burma and MP Sulata Deo alleged that results in several colleges were delayed due to “pressure” from the BJP-led government in the state.
Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi urged students to participate in the elections peacefully, saying polls were not merely a process of choosing representatives but also a foundation of Indian democracy and a means of nurturing future leaders.
“The values, discipline and ideals that you practise on campus today will provide a new direction for our state and country in the days ahead. Therefore, without falling prey to any form of violence, rumours or division, participate in this election in a peaceful and orderly manner,” Majhi said in a social media post.
At RD Women’s University, BCJD members welcomed students by distributing red roses and ‘mahaprasad’ of Lord Jagannath, drawing objections from rival student groups.
“Distribution of ‘mahaprasad’ to students before they enter the campus for voting is not acceptable,” a student said.
The BCJD president, who was present at the university gate, said the distribution was intended to encourage students to vote according to their conscience.
Police personnel later removed her from the entrance and took her away in a vehicle.
Police were deployed at campuses and polling booths to ensure smooth voting. Students were allowed to enter the premises after their identity cards were checked.
“I have cast my vote… I hope my candidate will win the election,” a student said.
(PTI News)
