ABVP’s campus poll victory reflects students’ faith in PM Modi, says Odisha CM

Kataka: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday congratulated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) workers and young associates on the organisation’s resounding victory in students’ union elections, describing the mandate as a reflection of Odisha’s youth’s faith in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.

Addressing a Young Leaders Conclave-2026 at JN Indoor Stadium here, Majhi said the victory was more than an electoral achievement, calling it a testament to the trust young people have placed in the leadership of Modi. He asserted that the youth are the real strength of democracy and expressed confidence in their role in shaping Odisha’s future.

He also stressed leadership, discipline and democratic values, and announced steps to provide hostel facilities and specialised civil services coaching for talented youth.

Taking a dig at the previous government, the Chief Minister said student union elections had remained suspended since 2018. He claimed that his government had fulfilled its election promise by restoring the democratic process on campuses.

Majhi also questioned the silence of opposition leaders who were student leaders at the time and are now MLAs, asking why they had not raised their voices when student elections were discontinued.

Highlighting his government’s initiatives for students and young people, the Chief Minister said several welfare schemes had been launched over the past two and a half years. He also emphasised the government’s commitment to making education accessible, stating that education had been made free from kindergarten to postgraduate level.

The gathering was attended by Higher Education, Sports and Youth Services Minister Suryabanshi Suraj, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Mukesh Mahaling, MSME and Fisheries Minister Gokulananda Mallik and Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia. More than 5000 party workers, student leaders and young supporters were also present.