Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Dec 17: Goa University (GU) on Tuesday postponed the elections scheduled for December 16 for the executive committee of the Goa University Students’ Council for the academic year 2025-26, citing the enforcement of the model code of conduct ahead of the upcoming zilla panchayat elections in the state.

According to university sources, the decision was taken after the district collector informed the university that the polls needed to be deferred due to the election code of conduct being in force. GU officials said the intimation from the collector’s office was received only on the morning of December 16, leading to a last-minute postponement.

The sudden decision triggered protests on the campus, with student bodies NSUI and ABVP expressing strong opposition. ABVP members termed the postponement unfair and alleged that candidates backed by their organisation were poised for victory, claiming the change in schedule disrupted the democratic process.

A large number of ABVP activists gathered on the Goa University campus, raising slogans against the decision. Police personnel were deployed as a precautionary measure, and the situation was later brought under control.

The university has now rescheduled the students’ council executive committee elections for December 23. Polling will be held between 10.30 am and 12.30 pm, followed by counting of votes immediately thereafter.

The counting of votes for the zilla panchayat elections across all 50 constituencies in Goa is expected to conclude on December 22.

Issuing a notification, the Goa University director urged all eligible voters to take note of the revised date and ensure they carry a valid identity card of the college or school they represent while casting their vote.