Bhubaneswar, Oct. 13 -- With student union elections being cancelled at several colleges across Odisha, questions arise over the preparedness of college authorities and district administrations to ensure peaceful polling. After years without campus elections, is the state in danger of losing an opportunity to nurture its next generation of political leaders?

After a gap of several years, the resumption of students' union elections in Odisha was expected to mark an important moment for campus democracy. For thousands of students, the polls offered an opportunity to elect their representatives, raise their concerns and take their first steps towards leadership and public life.

However, the cancellation of elections at several colleges acr...