Bhubaneswar, Sept. 26: The cancellation of the students’ union elections this year at Utkal University, in the backdrop of a major campus clash in July, has elicited smiles as well as scowls from the students.

While most of the students said the decision would ensure peace and discipline on the campus, others claim putting off the democratic process would demoralise potential leaders in whose absence their grievances would go unheard.

The varsity did not have elections in 2009 following violence. In the subsequent year, it was not held as a precautionary measure.

“Being a cradle of future politicians, Utkal University is a very sensitive place where power equations matter a lot. And that, more often than not, leads to clashes. In my opinion, elections lead to unnecessary disturbance. That is the reason why I have never even taken part in the process as a voter,” said Somali, a second-year English student.

Another student of psychology, on conditions of anonymity, supported the decision and said when political parties wielded a great amount of influence over the university, elections could never be free and fair. “Much before the voting starts, everybody has a fair idea about who will be elected president of the students’ union. Invariably, it has to be a candidate fielded by the Congress. The outcome is, therefore, predetermined,” said the student.

Cancelling elections was an excuse on the part of the authorities to cover up for their failure to check violence, said Ananta, a student of public administration.

“They have never taken any serious step to avoid untoward incidents. Instead of calling off the elections, they could strengthen security on the campus by deploying extra guards and implementing a strict deadline for entry and exit,” said Ananta.

Without a students’ union, various issues dogging the premier educational institution would remain unresolved. “Without leaders, the students will have no one to turn to when they face problems. The authorities must reconsider their decision,” said Tanmaya Swain, the current president of the university.

University authorities, however, have refused to budge. “There is no question of holding elections. We have already notified that to the students and teachers. We do not want any more trouble for ourselves or for our students,” said chairman of the post-graduate council P.K. Mishra.