Election cancellations in Kendrapada, Japkud and Kalahandi follow disputes over nominations, alleged code-of-conduct violations and escalating tensions between rival student groups.

Bhubaneswar, October 13 (UDN): Student union elections have been cancelled at three more colleges in Odisha following campus unrest, disputes over candidate nominations and concerns over law and order.

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The affected institutions are Laxmibarah Degree College at Ayatpur in Kendrapada district, Japkud Women’s Degree College and Kesinga College in Kalahandi district. The decisions were taken amid mounting tensions between rival student groups, prompting college authorities to prioritise campus security and the maintenance of academic discipline.

The developments have cast a shadow over student union elections for the 2026–27 academic session, with controversies surrounding the electoral process triggering protests and administrative intervention at the affected institutions.

Laxmibarah College Declared Sine Die

Laxmibarah Degree College at Ayatpur in Kendrapada district has been declared sine die, or closed indefinitely, following a deterioration in the law-and-order situation on campus.

According to reports, a notice signed by the college principal cited the prevailing situation within the campus as the reason for the decision. The student union election has also been cancelled amid tensions linked to the electoral process.

The indefinite closure underscores the administration’s concerns over maintaining normal academic activities and ensuring the safety of students and staff.

Japkud Women’s College Cancels October 15 Elections

Japkud Women’s Degree College has cancelled its student union elections, which were scheduled for October 15, 2026, until further notice.

A notice issued by the principal on October 12 stated that the decision followed telephonic instructions from the Regional Director of the Regional Directorate of Education, along with a WhatsApp message.

The college cited serious violations of the election code of conduct, escalating conflicts between student groups and continuing controversies surrounding the polls.

Despite earlier warnings, the situation was considered detrimental to campus safety, academic discipline and student welfare.

The administration directed students to immediately stop all campaign activities, including rallies, canvassing, distribution of campaign materials and online campaigning. Unauthorised assemblies, demonstrations and gatherings on the college premises were also prohibited.

Local reports suggest that tensions escalated after the nomination papers of candidates backed by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) for the posts of president and vice-president were rejected. Protesting students subsequently staged a sit-in, following which the principal announced the cancellation of the election.

Kesinga College Polls Cancelled After Political Confrontation

At Kesinga College in Kalahandi district, prolonged disputes involving student groups and political supporters culminated in the cancellation of the student union election.

The controversy reportedly began after the nomination of Anubhav Pattnaik, a candidate backed by the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), was rejected on the basis of a police case and a subsequent report.

The decision triggered protests by BJD leaders and supporters, including the Narla MLA. Following their intervention and a direction from the State Higher Education Department, the candidate’s nomination was restored.

However, the move prompted counter-protests by BJP workers, who reportedly blocked roads, further aggravating tensions in the area.

Amid the deteriorating law-and-order situation, college authorities submitted a report to the College Management Committee and the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM). Following a review, the election was cancelled.

Campus Safety Takes Centre Stage

The latest cancellations highlight the challenges facing college administrations as disputes over nominations and confrontations between rival groups disrupt the student electoral process.

At the affected institutions, authorities have opted to suspend the polls rather than risk further escalation of tensions on campus and in surrounding areas.

The cancellations also raise questions about the future schedule of the affected elections. No revised dates for the polls have been announced in the reports available so far.

For now, restoring normalcy, maintaining academic discipline and ensuring the safety of students and staff remain the immediate priorities for the college authorities.