Bhubaneswar, October 5: Hours after the BJP Government announced the schedule to hold Students’ Union elections, which have been absent from campuses for nearly a decade, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday slammed the previous BJD Governemnt for keeping an "entire generation of students from choosing their representatives". He asserted that a confident youth and a vibrant campus democracy are essential to building a prosperous and developed Odisha.

The CM urged students to embrace this opportunity with confidence, discipline, dignity and democratic spirit.

The last statewide polls across the campuses were held in 2017.

Taking to ‘X’, the Chief Minister said, “The youth of Odisha are not merely the leaders of tomorrow; they are partners in building Odisha today. Their voice, ideas and aspirations must have a place in our campuses and in the democratic process. Student Union elections are therefore not a mere formality, but a vital platform for young people to participate, represent and develop the leadership that will shape our State’s future.”

Also Read: Odisha to hold student union elections after eight years, polls on October 15

He slammed the previous BJD Government for creating an entire generation of students away from choosing their representatives by not holding Students’ Union Elections.

“Yet, since 2017, the previous government kept these elections suspended, offering one excuse after another while an entire generation of students was kept away from choosing their representatives,” wrote the CM.

The BJP Government had earlier promised to resume the elections.

“We had promised the students of Odisha that this democratic right would be restored. Today, we have fulfilled that promise through action. After years of waiting, Student Union elections will be held across colleges and universities in Odisha on October 15. What was kept pending for years is now being brought back with a clear decision and firm resolve,” added Chief Minister Majhi.

“I urge every student to embrace this opportunity with confidence, discipline, dignity and democratic spirit. Make your voice heard, choose your representatives and participate actively in shaping the future of your institution and our State. A confident youth and a vibrant campus democracy are essential to building a prosperous and developed Odisha,” the CM further stated.

As per the Higher Education Department, the Students’ Union elections will be held on October 15.

CM Majhi, in December 2024, had announced that Students’ Union polls would be held from the 2025-26 academic session. The elections, however, were not held last year.