ABVP wins 7 universities, BJD’s BCJD secures 4 in Odisha student union polls after 8-year gap

The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) secured victory in seven out of Odisha's 13 universities during the student union elections, which marked the first such polls in eight years. The Biju Chhatra Janata Dal (BCJD), the student wing of the BJD party, managed to win in four universities. The elections, held on Thursday, faced poor voter turnout, with some universities, like Berhampur University, recording less than 10% participation.

The campaign was intense, involving first-time voters, and saw clashes, allegations of unfair practices, and accusations of state government favoritism towards ABVP candidates. Out of the 6,649 candidates who contested the elections, the ABVP claimed victory in over 60% of the 325 colleges that went to polls, while Utkal University, Odisha's oldest, saw the ABVP win seven out of nine posts.

The BCJD accused the government of cancelling polls in colleges where the BJD's student wing was better placed, while opposition parties accused the ruling BJP of using its influence to favor the ABVP. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi criticized the previous BJD government for suspending student elections for political reasons, stating that his government had fulfilled its promise to the student community.

BJD President Naveen Patnaik commended the youth for their unity and determination, accusing the BJP government of attempting to influence the elections. Former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan expressed hope that the elected student leaders would maintain academic environment and develop into responsible individuals.

The campus polls were seen as an opportunity for political parties to connect with Gen Z voters before upcoming panchayat and urban body polls. The Odisha Universities (Amendment) Act, which came into force in April 2025, allows university students' union presidents and secretaries to become members of their Senate.