Bhubaneswar, October 10: Student union elections have made a high-stakes comeback in Odisha after an eight-year hiatus, bringing a vibrant wave of festive rallies, cultural processions, and widespread campus tensions across the state.

On Friday, aspiring student leaders filed their nomination papers amidst electric atmospheres on college and university campuses. Rallies featured traditional Sambalpuri dance troupes, drums, and enthusiastic supporters as different student organizations showcased their strength. Following scrutiny and the nomination withdrawal window, the final candidate lists are slated for release at 3:00 PM today, setting the stage for an intense four-day campaign trail ahead of the polls.

Official data reveals that a total of 8,686 nominations were filed across 348 colleges and 13 state universities. Out of these, 7,488 applications cleared scrutiny, while 1,198 were deemed invalid. Notably, 1,653 candidates—including 1,620 at the college level and 33 at the university level—have already won their seats uncontested. Among the valid contenders for key positions, 1,149 are running for president, 758 for general secretary, 869 for vice-president, and 46 for assistant general secretary.

However, the nomination process was also marred by severe unrest and administrative crackdowns at several institutions. Elections have been officially canceled at Bhadrak Women’s College, Naami College in Bhandaripokhari (which authorities have declared sine die), and four institutions in Nayagarh district, including Pathani Samanta College.

Tensions, protests, and student clashes also flared up at several other campuses, including Tulsi Women’s College in Kendrapara, Capital Law University—where students blocked a national highway over canceled polls—as well as DAV College in Titilagarh, Sinapali College in Nuapada, Nimapada Autonomous College in Puri, and colleges in Sanakhemundi, Chikiti, Gopalpur, and Banarpal. With only four days left for active campaigning, university authorities and local administrations remain on high alert to maintain law and order.