Student Election / 'Gen-Z Is With Us': ABVP Claims 81% Campus Wins, Secures 8 of 13 University President Posts

Bhubaneswar, Oct 16: The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) on Friday has claimed victory in more than 81 per cent of campuses across Odisha in the student union elections held after an eight-year gap. The organisation said the results reflected support from the state’s young voters, including Gen Z students, and described its performance as a victory for nationalism.

Speaking at a press conference, ABVP state secretary Diptimayee Pratihari said the organisation had been campaigning for the restoration of student union elections for the past eight years and had consistently raised student issues both inside and outside campuses.

Pratihari congratulated the students who supported ABVP and the newly elected leaders from all organisations. She also thanked Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj for facilitating the conduct of the elections.

ABVP Claims Strong Performance Across Universities
According to figures shared by the organisation, ABVP secured victories in eight of the state’s 13 universities. It claimed to have won eight president posts, eight vice-president posts, 10 secretary posts and 11 assistant general secretary posts.

According to a report, ABVP had won in 117 of the 337 educational institutions, while the Biju Chhatra Janata Dal (BCJD) secured 71. The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) won in two colleges, and independent candidates bagged 16.

Pratihari said, "ABVP won the entire panel at Utkal University and all posts except the president’s position at Ravenshaw University. The organisation will continue working on student concerns throughout the year."

ABVP To Review Losses At Rama Devi, Ravenshaw
Reacting to ABVP’s losses at Rama Devi Women’s University and Ravenshaw University, Pratihari said, "We respect the students’ mandate and will review our shortcomings."

She alleged that BCJD used money and muscle power at Rama Devi Women’s University and accused its state president of taking admission to the campus for political purposes. She also alleged that the organisation pressured teachers and politicised religious matters, including Mahaprasad. Pratihari called on the government to take action against those allegedly involved.

Also Read: ABVP Wins President and General Secretary Posts at Utkal University

On the results at Ravenshaw University, she said, "We will analyse the reasons behind the performance". She also attributed the higher-than-expected number of NOTA votes to the short time available for polling and what she described as a lack of awareness among students.

Pratihari said ABVP would remain active on campuses and continue raising issues affecting students’ rights and welfare.

She described the election outcome as a victory for democracy and nationalist thought, adding that the organisation would work with students for the next 365 days rather than limiting its activities to the election period.