Tensions Escalate at Odisha Assembly: NSUI Activists Clash with Police

A clash between police and NSUI activists erupted outside the Odisha assembly as they demanded elections in colleges and state-run universities. Led by state president Udit Narayan Pradhan, protestors were halted by police. The protest seeks the reinstatement of students' union elections, suspended since 2017.

A confrontation occurred between police officers and NSUI activists near the Odisha assembly on Wednesday, as the demonstrators demanded college and state-run university elections. The protest was led by Udit Narayan Pradhan, the state unit president of the National Students' Union of India (NSUI).

NSUI members, holding posters and placards, aimed to march to Mahatma Gandhi Marg and gherao the assembly building. The situation escalated into a scuffle when the police intervened to stop the march. Some activists were detained and later released.

Udit Narayan Pradhan stated that the NSUI has been demanding student union elections for several years. Former state president Yashir Nawaz alleged that the union polls were halted due to reluctance from the BJP and fears from the RSS-backed ABVP. Law Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan indicated that the elections would resume next year.

(With inputs from agencies.)