Bhubaneswar, Oct 14: Tension gripped Utkal University in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday after a clash reportedly broke out between two groups of students backed by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and the Biju Chhatra Janata Dal (BCJD), respectively, ahead of the student union elections scheduled for October 15.

According to reports, the confrontation erupted over the alleged presence of non-students at a ‘Why I Stand For’ meeting organised as part of the campus election process. The disagreement reportedly escalated into a clash between supporters of the rival student groups, disrupting the scheduled programme.

Several chairs were reportedly damaged during the incident, and the meeting could not be conducted as planned. The incident heightened tensions on the university campus just a day before polling.

Following information about the clash, police personnel rushed to the university to bring the situation under control and prevent further escalation. The Bhubaneswar Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) also reached the campus and, along with other police personnel, attempted to pacify the agitated students.

The incident has raised concerns over maintaining peace and discipline on campus during the student election period. Student union elections are scheduled to take place across Odisha on Thursday, October 15, with polling from 8 am to 2 pm.

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