Presidential candidate Jotshnalipi Nanda of Kamala Nehru Women’s College, Bhubaneswar, after filing her nomination paper for college elections. Picture by Sanjib Mukherjee

Cuttack, Sept. 22: Aspirants to various posts in students’ unions across the state took the first step towards fulfilling their political dreams today. While many filed their nomination papers, there were reports of clashes too.

Tension ran high at Netaji Subhas Memorial City College here today following a clash between two groups of students outside the campus. The clash left two injured. The incident took place shortly after filing of nomination papers for the students’ union election scheduled for September 29. The injured – Saswat Sahu and Debya Jyoti Rout, who are both Plus Three final year arts students – are undergoing treatment at a local hospital.

“Around five to six outsiders and a few students of our college passed offensive remarks at my friends and attacked them,” said Rajiv Lochan Ray, an aspirant to the post of president.

Despite the clash, college authorities said students’ union election would be held on schedule. Around 30 students filed their nominations for different posts today.

“The clash between the two groups took place outside the campus. It is up to the police to take appropriate action against those involved. We hope this will not affect the upcoming elections,” principal Asutosh Parida said.

Another incident of violence was reported from Nayagarh College. Following some problems during filing of nomination, a large number of students went on rampage, damaging furniture all over the college campus.

Till reports last came in, the process of filing nomination papers in other colleges of the city and Ravenshaw University had been completed without any untoward incident.

Bhubaneswar

Candidates filed their nomination papers today at Utkal University. PG Council chairman P.K. Sarkar said the nominations this year were fewer than expected. The varsity is holding the election after two years. Only two candidates have applied for the post of students’ union president. “Adequate security measures have been taken on the campus to avoid any untoward incident,” said Sarkar.

The nomination papers were verified today. Candidates who want to withdraw their applications may do so tomorrow by 4pm. The final list will be prepared by 5pm tomorrow.

Berhampur

As many as 17 students of Berhampur University filed their nominations for various posts of the students’ union. Mrunal Jana, a student of business administration, was unanimously elected as assistant secretary of the dramatic association today. He was the only candidate who filed nomination papers for the post. Three students are running for the post of president.

Balasore

At Fakir Mohan (Autonomous) College, Balasore, 41 nomination papers were filed by the aspirants, including six girls. Three students are contesting for the post of president. “The nomination process was peaceful,” said Abhay Panda, principal of the college.

Sambalpur

Students of various colleges in Sambalpur today filed nomination papers for the September 29 election. Verification of the nominations will take place tomorrow. Security measures have been boosted at all colleges.

In Gangadhar Meher College, each department gave the names of two students to the executive council, which will select representatives for various posts of the students’ union. Students of Netaji Subash Chandra Bose college also filed nominations and the final list will be out tomorrow. Sambalpur University will hold election on September 26. The election was scheduled to be held on September 22. But the university authorities rescheduled the election date because of students’ agitation.