Bhubaneswar, Oct 9: Political activity has intensified across college campuses in Odisha ahead of the upcoming students’ union elections, with aspiring candidates preparing to file their nomination papers on Friday. Student organisations are on high alert to prevent rival groups from poaching their supported candidates, with some reportedly moving them to secure locations.

The student wing of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has decided not to announce its list of candidates until the nomination process is completed. Meanwhile, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and the Congress have announced candidates in a limited number of constituencies.

According to the election schedule, candidates will be allowed to file their nomination papers from 10 am to 1 pm on Friday. The withdrawal of nominations will take place on Saturday between 10 am and 1 pm, followed by the publication of the final list of candidates at 3 pm.

Violence casts shadow over campus elections

Even before the nomination process begins, election-related tensions have escalated on several campuses across the state, with incidents of violence raising concerns over campus security.

At Vyasnagar College in Jajpur district, a bomb attack was reported, following which the student union election was cancelled.

In another incident, stone-pelting and the hurling of glass bottles were reported at Bhadrak Autonomous College.

Meanwhile, violence allegedly broke out between two groups outside Debaray College in the state capital, Bhubaneswar, over the student union election. Reports also alleged that members of the rival groups chased one another and attacked each other with sharp weapons.

Candidates step up campus campaigns

Alongside the political tensions, aspiring candidates have intensified classroom campaigning to garner support ahead of the nomination process.

Student organisations are also making arrangements for food, with biryani and chicken meals being distributed among students on campus. Some candidates are reportedly sending food to hostel residents at night in an effort to strengthen their support base.

With nomination day approaching, student organisations are also focusing on mobilising larger crowds for their respective processions. Campus leaders have reportedly been assigned responsibilities to bring hostel students into the rallies and increase participation.

The heightened campaigning, allegations of candidate poaching and reports of violence have added to the political atmosphere across Odisha’s college campuses ahead of the student union elections.