Odisha Student Union Elections 2026: 1,398 candidates elected, counting continues at Utkal University

Students' union elections were held across Odisha on October 15 after a gap of eight years, with results announced in 153 colleges amid sporadic tensions, officials said. Polling took place from 8 am to 2 pm at 346 state-run colleges and 13 universities under tight security. Counting started after voting concluded, and results were declared in 153 colleges. Counting was still underway at prominent institutions, including Utkal University and RD Women's University in Bhubaneswar.

Of the 6,891 candidates in the fray, 1,398 were elected, officials said. As many as 756 candidates won unopposed, while 642 secured victory through contests.

Counting halted at RD Women's University

Counting at RD Women's University was halted after candidates' agents walked out of the counting centre over certain issues. At Utkal University, counting continued until 10 pm, but the results had not been declared. Following a protest by NSUI members, university authorities assured them that the results would be announced by midnight.

ABVP leader Pratyush Ranjan Dass claimed that the RSS-affiliated organisation 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 organisation was ahead of the ABVP in several colleges. The Congress-affiliated National Students' Union of India (NSUI) was yet to comment on the results.

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Meanwhile, BJD vice-president Sanjay Das Burma and MP Sulata Deo alleged that results in several colleges had been delayed due to "pressure" from the BJP-led government in the state.

Earlier in the day, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi appealed to students to participate in the elections peacefully. He said campus polls were not merely a process of selecting representatives but also formed the foundation of Indian democracy and helped nurture 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, prompting objections from rival student groups. Distribution of 'mahaprasad' to students before they enter the campus for voting is not acceptable," a student told PTI .

Sahoo, 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 across campuses and polling booths to ensure that voting proceeded smoothly. Students were permitted to enter the premises after their identity cards were checked.

(With PTI inputs)