Bhubaneswar: Odisha Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan on Friday said the student union elections held across colleges and universities in the state after an eight-year gap witnessed enthusiastic participation, with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) emerging victorious in more than 70% of colleges.

Harichandan said the previous government had kept students' union elections suspended for several years out of fear of facing the electoral process. He said the resumption of elections had enabled students to participate in a democratic exercise after a prolonged gap.

Although there were attempts to disrupt the elections at some places, polling was conducted peacefully in most colleges, the minister said.

“Minor incidents of clashes during college elections are not new. Similar incidents have occurred in the past. During our student political days, serious incidents such as attacks, bomb blasts and firing were reported. However, we have not witnessed such a situation this time,” Harichandan said.

He also highlighted the enthusiasm among students, pointing to reports of voter turnout ranging from 70% to 80% in several colleges.

According to the minister, the turnout indicates that students are willing and prepared to participate in the democratic process.

“The biggest takeaway is the tremendous enthusiasm among students for the elections. The Gen Z generation is with us,” he said.

Results declared in 247 colleges

The Odisha Students' Union Elections 2026 were held on October 15, marking the return of campus polls after an eight-year hiatus.

According to the results available as of 10.30 pm on October 15, a total of 2,602 candidates had been elected in 247 colleges where results were declared.

Of the total winners, 1,169 candidates were elected unopposed, while 1,433 won through contested elections.

The results reflected a keen contest between student organisations affiliated with major political parties, including the ABVP and the Biju Chhatra Janata Dal (BCJD), the student wing of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD).

ABVP wins Utkal University, BCJD bags Rama Devi posts

The ABVP and the BCJD secured key positions at Utkal University and Rama Devi Women's University, respectively, as results were announced late on Thursday night amid hours of tension and confusion.

At Utkal University, ABVP candidate Abhiram Mishra was elected president, while Ayushi Pradhan won the general secretary's post.

At Rama Devi Women's University, BCJD candidates Sonali Behera and Laxmipriya Biswal won the president's and general secretary's posts, respectively.

The return of student union elections has brought campus politics back into focus in Odisha, with the participation levels and results offering an indication of student engagement with democratic processes.