Patna: Patna University’s student union elections were reinstated for February 28 on Saturday after being briefly postponed amid allegations of indiscipline and violations of the model code of conduct.
The initial decision to defer the 2025–26 polls triggered protests, with student leaders surrounding the university campus and demanding that elections be held as scheduled. Following the uproar, the administration announced that voting would go ahead on February 28.
Dr Virendra Kumar Paswan, the university’s media in-charge, said the decision had been taken by the vice-chancellor and that a formal notification would be issued at the dean level.
The postponement had come in the wake of several incidents on campus in recent days. On Saturday, students reportedly entered a classroom at Patna Science College during a lecture and misbehaved with a teacher. Earlier in the week, a group of students allegedly entered Patna Women’s College without permission and raised slogans.
University officials said the election code of conduct had been violated, with candidates campaigning before the scheduled period, displaying printed banners and posters, and allegedly using expensive vehicles. In light of these developments, the elections were initially put on hold until further notice.
A presidential debate scheduled for February 25 was also cancelled after student union members allegedly entered the Women’s College campus to campaign.
The college principal recorded the incident and submitted video footage and photographs to the university authorities. A three-member committee has been formed to investigate the matter, identify those involved and submit a report to the vice-chancellor within three days.
Prof Yogendra Verma, the university dean, described the classroom incident as “most unfortunate”, saying that during campaigning at Science College, students had disrupted a class and a confrontation followed when a teacher asked one of the campaigners to leave.
Vice-chancellor Prof Namita Singh said separate committees would examine all reported incidents and determine responsibility. She added that further details regarding the election process would be shared following the inquiry.
