Students' Union Elections cancelled in several colleges including Ravenshaw University

Bhubaneswar: Following unrest on campuses, the students' union elections in seven educational institutions including two universities- Ravenshaw University and Sambalpur University were cancelled today.

Sources said the authorities of Ravenshaw University decided not to hold the students' union election following demonstration by several student groups who were demanding holding of direct elections.

It is for the second time in a row that students' union election in Ravenshaw University has been cancelled.

At the staff council meeting held on September 28, the authorities of Ravenshaw University had decided to hold indirect election to the students' union. This had subsequently triggered widespread resentment among students who alleged that it was a conspiracy by authorities to keep them away from the polls.

“The students locked up and seem that they are not in a mood for elections. As students have started to resort to violence by burning tyres on road, the board including deans and other staff decided not to hold students' union elections this year,” said vice-chancellor, Ravenshaw University, Ishan Patro.

Tension prevailed on the campus after agitating students scuffled with police officials who were trying to rescue the Vice-chancellor.

In Balasore, Nilagiri College had to declared sine-die after bombing and ransacking of college property today.

Dhamnagar College in Bhadrak was closed sine die following ruckus and ransacking by students & outsiders.

Pre-poll violence was also reported at Jamsuli LN College where at least five students were injured in group clash today in Jaleswar.

Earlier, students' union election in Utkal University were also cancelled following unrest on campus.

As per the notification issued by Higher Education Department, students' union elections in several colleges and universities across Odisha are scheduled to be held on October 11.