ABVP dominates seven universities while BCJD wins four in Odisha campus elections
In Odisha's first student union polls in eight years, the ABVP secured victories at seven of 13 universities, and the BJD-affiliated BCJD won at four.
Odisha revived its student union elections after an eight-year hiatus, conducting polls at 13 state universities on Thursday. The ABVP emerged as the dominant force, winning at seven universities such as Utkal University, where it took seven of nine top posts. The Biju Chhatra Janata Dal (BCJD), the BJD’s student wing, secured victories in four universities.
Turnout was poor, with some campuses like Berhampur University seeing less than 10% voter participation. The campaign period featured intense mobilisation of first-time voters, as well as clashes and allegations that the state government favoured ABVP candidates. Both ABVP and BCJD accused each other of unfair practices, while opposition parties blamed the ruling BJP for influencing the outcome.
Why it matters
The results show how national parties are using campus elections to court young voters ahead of upcoming local polls.
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