Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday, 17 October 2025 congratulated the winners of student union elections held across colleges and universities in the state, calling the mandate a reflection of Gen Z's confidence in Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The elections were conducted on Thursday, marking the first such polls after a prolonged suspension under the previous government.

CM Majhi's Reaction and Key Remarks

Taking to his X handle, Chief Minister Majhi expressed confidence that the newly elected student representatives would uphold their peers' trust, discharge their duties with sincerity and integrity, and contribute meaningfully to building a Viksit Odisha. He also extended special congratulations to the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) for what he described as a 'historic and spectacular victory' across colleges and universities in the state.

'This mandate reflects the confidence and trust of Gen Z on Hon. PM Shri Narendra Modi ji,' Majhi wrote in his post on X.

Attack on the Previous BJD Government

The Chief Minister used the occasion to sharply criticise the previous Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government, alleging it had kept student union elections suspended to serve its political interests, thereby denying students their democratic voice on campuses. 'The previous government kept student union elections suspended to serve its political interests, depriving students of their democratic voice. Our government fulfilled its promise to the student community by successfully conducting the elections and restoring the spirit of democracy on campuses,' Majhi said.

This comes amid a broader political effort by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Odisha to consolidate its hold over student bodies — a traditional route for grassroots political mobilisation across India's states.

Opposition Leader Naveen Patnaik Responds

Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik, in his own post on X, also congratulated winning candidates, framing the outcome differently. He credited the victory as a reflection of the 'dedication and unity of Odisha's Gen Z, youth and student power.' However, Patnaik also took a combative tone, stating: 'I commend all the leaders of BJD and BCJD who stood firmly against the BJP government's conspiracy to win the Student Parliament election through injustice and unfair means.'

Patnaik called upon all stakeholders to unite to maintain the academic environment in colleges and work towards shaping a bright future for students — signalling that the opposition intends to contest the narrative of a clean sweep.

Significance and What Comes Next

Student union elections across Odisha's colleges and universities are seen as a litmus test for political momentum among younger voters. The restoration of these polls — after being suspended under the BJD administration — is being projected by the Majhi government as a democratic dividend of its tenure. ABVP, the student wing affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), has historically used such electoral wins to build a pipeline of young political workers. The newly elected representatives are expected to assume charge shortly, with their tenures watched closely amid competing claims over campus governance.