Odisha students’ union polls: Filing of nominations ends

Odisha Sun Times Bureau
Bhubaneswar, Sep 29:

Amid stray incidents of pre-poll violence, filing of nominations in colleges and universities ended in Odisha today.

The candidates went to file their nominations in a procession along with their supporters at their respective institutions between 9 am and 12 noon.

In a bid to prevent any untoward incident, elaborate security arrangements were put in place in colleges and varsities.

Despite this, two groups had a scuffle at Capital Law College in Bhubaneswar during filing of nominations protesting lifting of sine die last night. In protest, a group of students staged a road blockade on NH-16. The blockade was lifted following police intervention.

Similarly, students of BJB Junior College also staged a road blockade on Bhubaneswar-Puri National Highway in protest against the decision of the college authorities to cancel the students’ union elections. The enraged students locked the main gate and burnt tyres in front of the college.

As per reports, filing of nominations went off peacefully at Ravenshaw University, Sailabala Women’s College and Christ College amid tight security.

As per the schedule, the scrutiny of nominations was held between 2 pm and 4 pm. The last date for withdrawal of nominations and publication of valid nominations is scheduled to be out on October 1. The meeting on ‘What I Stand For’ is scheduled on October 4 followed by polling on the following day between 10 am and 2 pm. Counting and declaration of results will be on the same day afternoon between 2 pm and 6 pm.

Notably, the oath taking ceremony will be held on October 6 at 11 am.