Jeypore, 10th Sept 2025: As the current academic session progresses, there has been no official notification yet regarding student union elections in colleges, raising uncertainty and concern among students and former student leaders.
Background
Seven years ago, during the BJD government’s tenure, college elections were discontinued. At the time, BJP leaders had been vocal in demanding the revival of elections. Now that the BJP is in power, many expected the elections to be held before Dussehra. However, there is still no clarity or announcement, leaving those waiting for elections disappointed.
Reactions: “BJP should not repeat BJD’s mistake”
Students and former student leaders have expressed disappointment, suspecting that the new government, like the previous one, is hesitant to conduct college elections. Mixed reactions have been seen among current students — but one sentiment stands out: “BJP should not repeat BJD’s mistake.”
Let’s hear what students and former leaders have to say:
Sandeep Kumar Samantaray
(District Youth Congress President & Former Student Union President):
“Without college elections, student leadership cannot emerge. BJD blocked this path for 7 years, closing avenues for students to raise their voices and even protest against issues. Students were deprived of their rights. Earlier, student leaders used to emerge from these elections, and today’s senior political leaders are products of that system. Without elections, youth leadership is disappearing.”
He added, “Back then, BJP leaders protested BJD’s decision to stop elections. Now that BJP is in power, they are silent. The party seems confused and is on the backfoot on various issues. There is rising dissatisfaction among the general public and students, which may impact BJP negatively in upcoming student elections — perhaps that’s why no notification has been released yet.”
Dharmendra Adhikari
(BJD Leader & Former Student Union President):
“BJP relies on ABVP, its student wing, and had hoped to dominate college elections through them. However, the tragic suicide of Soumyashree, a student from Fakir Mohan Autonomous College, shattered those dreams. ABVP members were arrested in that case, and BJD took the issue to the public through protests, gaining student support.”
He added, “After witnessing this shift, BJP has become hesitant. If elections are held now, ABVP candidates are unlikely to win — hence the delay from the government side.”
Nitesh Bora
(University Student):
“College elections shouldn’t be mandatory. Right now, students are focused and disciplined. Everyone is engaged in studies. Elections may disrupt the academic environment. More than students, student leaders from various political parties are eager for elections so they can push their agendas. This could lead to conflicts on campus. Problems can be solved without student leaders, as today’s students are aware and capable of speaking up about their issues.”
Himanshu Mahapatra
(Vikram Deb University Student):
“Student elections should be held. They help develop leadership qualities. When BJP came to power, there was hope that elections would return. Many student leaders had even started preparations. But no notification has come yet. There’s still time — if elections are held before Dussehra, it will be beneficial. The government can frame new guidelines and proceed. BJP should not repeat the mistake of not holding elections like the previous government. New pathways for leadership must open so that future political leaders can emerge from campuses.”
Conclusion
The absence of any notification on student union elections has sparked significant discussion across political lines. While some believe elections are crucial for student empowerment and leadership development, others worry about campus disturbances and political misuse. Still, the dominant voice remains — if the BJP wants to distinguish itself from the BJD, it must hold elections and reintroduce democratic student representation in colleges.