Bhubaneswar, October 15: Student union elections are being held across Odisha today, with tensions, clashes and allegations of threats reported at several colleges and universities ahead of polling. The unrest prompted authorities at some institutions to cancel elections and declare a sine die closure.

At Utkal University in Bhubaneswar, two student groups clashed before Wednesday’s ‘Why I Stand For’ meeting. The tension reportedly continued for nearly three hours. Similar disturbances were reported at more than 10 colleges across the state.

Elections are being conducted at 359 higher education institutions, including 346 colleges and 13 universities. Following the withdrawal and rejection of nominations, a total of 6,891 candidates remain in the fray, including 6,533 candidates at colleges and 358 at universities. Women account for 45.2 per cent of the candidates.

Polling is scheduled to begin at 8 AM, with results expected by evening. According to the figures provided, 866 candidates are contesting for president, 616 for general secretary and 176 for vice-president.

Unrest reported across Odisha

Several institutions witnessed election-related disturbances. Clashes between student groups were reported at Baba Balia College in Baripada, while tension erupted at N.C. College in Jajpur following allegations that a candidate had gone missing. Student unrest was also reported at Rushikulya College in Bhanjanagar and Udala College in Mayurbhanj.

At National College in Nuapada, a confrontation reportedly broke out between a student organisation and police near the college gate. Tensions were also reported between two student organisations in Balangir.

Authorities at Odapada College in Dhenkanal cancelled the election and declared a sine die closure amid the unrest. A similar closure was announced at L.N. College in Jharsuguda. Ganjam College also witnessed violence over the cancellation of its election.

Meanwhile, a poster threatening to kill the principal was reportedly found outside Siddhartha Degree College in Binika, raising concerns over campus security.