Bhubaneswar, Oct. 5: The filing of nomination papers for the students' union election in colleges and universities across the state was completed today amid reports of sporadic violence.
Aspiring student leaders filed the nominations between 9am and noon. Many candidates reached their respective campus in a rally amid drumbeats and cheering by their supporters.
"It is a great day for me. I am humbled by the support shown by my friends. Look at the way our supporters are dancing with joy. The entire atmosphere is euphoric and I promise to do my best for the university if I win," said Priyanka Khuntia, a general secretary candidate at Ramadevi University.
Chinmayee Rayaguru, another student said: "We are strictly following all the guidelines of Lyndoh Commission. Today, we cleaned up all the mess that littered the campus and the roads after our rally for the nomination."
The nomination papers at all the colleges were scrutinised between 2pm and 4pm. "The candidates can withdraw their papers between 2pm and 4pm tomorrow after the list is published at 11am. The final list of candidates will be out at 5pm," a senior official at BJB autonomous college said.
At Maharshi College and other places in the city, groups of students demonstrated alleging that candidates not qualifying the Lygdoh Commission norms were filing nominations. Authorities said the decision would be taken only after scrutinising the papers.
Besides Utkal University and its constituent colleges and Utkal Law University, elections have been cancelled at Ekamra College and City Women's College.
Elections have also been called off at SCS College in Puri, Dhamnagar College in Bhadrak and Marshaghai College in Kendrapara.
Dhamnagar College and Marshaghai College have been closed indefinitely following violence among students.
The aspirants are now gearing up for the "Why I stand for" meeting scheduled to be held on October 13. The polls will be held on October 14 and the results will be declared the same day.
The elected candidates will take oath on October 15.
