BJP, BJD spar over student union elections in Odisha

The results of student union elections in Odisha held after a gap of eight years triggered a bitter war of words between the top leadership of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party and the principal Opposition Biju Janata Dal on Friday (October 16, 2026).

The student polls were marred by widespread violence as the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and Biju Chhatra Janata Dal (BCJD) vied for campus dominance across colleges and universities in the State

According to the Higher Education Department on Thursday night (October 15), a total of 2,602 candidates were declared winners in elections held across 247 colleges while 66 winners were announced for six universities in the State. However, a clear picture did not yet emerge of the performance of student organisations affiliated with different political parties.

Oath-taking completed

The winning candidates took oath on Friday after their victories for various posts. Subsequently, all universities and colleges announced vacation for Dasara. Hostels were vacated to ensure that no further post-poll violence vitiated the campus atmosphere.

Odisha Director General of Police Vinaytosh Mishra said: “We have managed to keep the law and order situation on campuses in check. We will surely act upon police complaints if interference by non-students come to notice either through CCTV footages or report of administration.”

‘Gen-Z trusts PM Modi’

Greeting the ABVP for its performance in student union elections across colleges and universities in Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said this mandate reflected the confidence and trust of Gen-Z on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“I am confident that the organisation will uphold the ideals of knowledge, character and unity, respect the voices of all students and foster a healthy academic environment on campuses. I wish all the victorious representatives a successful tenure and a bright future as they contribute to nation-building and the vision of a Viksit Odisha,” Mr. Majhi posted on X on Friday.

Similarly, former Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who celebrated his 80^th birthday on Friday, extended his congratulations to all the winning candidates and students in the student union election.

Unity of Odisha’s Gen-Z: Patnaik

“This victory reflects the dedication and unity of Odisha’s Gen-Z youth, and student power. I commend all the leaders of BJD and BCJD who stood firmly against the BJP government’s conspiracy to win the student union election through injustice and unfair means,” alleged Mr. Patnaik.

The BJD president called upon everyone to unite to move forward in maintaining the academic environment of the college and shaping a bright future for the students.

Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida said: “The BJD was afraid of youth for which student union elections had not been held for the past eight years. We opened the window for elections. We have the courage to ensure that new generation leaders come up. It is shameful that the party which denied the electoral rights on campuses are coming forward to advocate their issues.”