ABVP sweeps Odisha student union elections as campus polls return after eight years

Student union elections resumed across 13 state universities and 346 colleges in Odisha after an eight-year hiatus, delivering a decisive endorsement for the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). The RSS-affiliated student organisation swept key posts in major academic centres, including a clean sweep at Utkal University.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi congratulated the ABVP on its historic performance, emphasising that the result highlights the unwavering trust of Generation Z in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for a 'Viksit Odisha' and national progress. Majhi noted that the government fulfilled its commitment to restore democratic rights on campuses, accusing the previous administration of keeping student polls suspended to serve narrow political interests.

Performance across campuses

Election officials confirmed that 6,891 candidates competed across the state, with 1,398 representatives elected. A total of 756 candidates were returned unopposed, while 642 won through direct voting.

ABVP state secretary Diptimayee Pratihari stated that the organisation won top positions in eight of the 13 state universities, securing eight president, eight vice-president, 10 secretary, and 11 assistant general secretary posts. In addition to sweeping Utkal University, ABVP achieved major victories across panels at Ravenshaw University.

ABVP national general secretary Virendra Singh Solanki remarked that the student mandate reflects strong faith in democratic processes and the 'Nation First' movement sweeping educational institutions across India.

Youth mandate and opposition reactions

While the BJD-affiliated Biju Chhatra Janata Dal (BCJD) maintained leadership at Rama Devi Women's University, the broader election outcomes demonstrated widespread support for ABVP's focus on national unity and campus development. BCJD president Ipsita Sahoo noted her organisation secured victories in select women's colleges, while BJD leader Naveen Patnaik commended his party's student leaders.

National Students' Union of India (NSUI) state president Bibhuti Bhusan Mohapatra reported that his organisation secured president posts in 30 colleges, including Chitrokonda and Kantabanji, and finished second in 80 institutes.

With student union polls successfully restored after nearly a decade, the overwhelming participation marks a major milestone for youth engagement and democratic governance across Odisha's higher education system.