The Utkal University in Bhubaneswar. Picture by Sanjib Mukherjee

Bhubaneswar, Sept. 1: The Utkal University is gearing up for students’ union elections scheduled for September 29.

Insiders say that university authorities are upbeat about holding the elections this year. However, they are waiting for the official notification from the state government.

“We have not received any communication from the state government regarding the elections. As soon as we get it, the decision will be announced,” said the postgraduate council chairman G.K. Panda.

The upcoming election at the Utkal University has gained prominence this year especially after a group of functionaries from the Congress student wing joined the BJD wing last week.

“The BJD had been trying to make its mark at the prestigious university but till date the Congress has always emerged victorious. So, with the cream of student leaders joining the BJD, this year we are expecting a sea change. Also, since the elections will have the support of the ruling party, there is slender chance of the elections being called off,” said an official on condition of anonymity.

Students apprehend that there are chances of unrest in the campus. “Rival groups may create trouble to force the authorities to call off the polls,” said Rudraksh Meher, a student.

Polls in the Utkal University were cancelled for the past two years following a series of unrest. In the recent past, Utkal University has witnessed large-scale violence prior to polls.

“Very often the matter worsens as the administration is reluctant to take stringent action against agitating students,” said Sushant Behera, another student.

Posters and banners by aspiring candidates have already come up at many prominent places on the campus doling out warm wishes to students on the occasion of Ganesh Puja and Nuakhai.

“In the absence of a students’ union, the various issues and problems relating to students remain unattended. It has hampered the development of the university. We, therefore, urge the authorities to allow students to exercise their democratic rights. We also hope that the elections are conducted smoothly,” said Tanmay Swain, a student leader.