Student Groups Clash Outside Rama Devi University Ahead of Odisha Polls

Bhubaneswar: Tension prevailed outside Rama Devi Women’s University in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday as supporters of two student groups faced off over the upcoming student union elections.

Supporters gathered outside the university gate and raised slogans in favour of their respective candidates following the ‘Why I Stand For’ meeting on October 14. Some students were also seen carrying candidates on their shoulders as the rival groups displayed their strength.

The university gate remained closed after the candidates’ meeting, while the face-off unfolded outside the campus.

Student union elections are returning to colleges and universities across Odisha after an eight-year gap, with the last polls held in 2017.

Polling is scheduled for October 15 from 8 am to 2 pm, followed by vote counting from 2 pm onwards. The oath-taking ceremony for elected representatives will be held on October 16.