Odisha to Hold Student Union Elections in 2025

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced on Thursday that student union elections will resume in colleges and universities in the upcoming academic year, ending a six-year hiatus.

Speaking at an Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) event in Bhubaneswar, Majhi criticized the previous BJD government for suspending elections since 2018. He expressed confusion over the long-standing halt, questioning the motives behind the decision.

“The state government is actively discussing the resumption of student union elections next year. I still don’t understand why the previous government stopped them,” Majhi stated.

The BJD government had suspended the elections citing reasons such as cyclones, COVID-19, and campus violence. However, student groups accused the government of suppressing leadership opportunities and fearing anti-government sentiment on campuses.

In 2023, protests and demonstrations escalated, with students demanding the restoration of elections. Despite widespread unrest, including the gherao of the then Higher Education Minister’s residence, the elections remained suspended.

With the new announcement, students hope to regain a platform for leadership and representation in academic institutions.