Chandigarh: The roads were empty today and only a handful of students were present at the student centre, as the election noise raged near the hostels on the PU campus. It was a busy day for all the contending groups, as they held various ‘nukkad’ meetings with the hostellers, listening to their grievances ranging from lack of water supply in summer, power back-up, quality of food, etc. As the evening drew closer, the contending groups took advantage of the holiday to hold rallies, especially in the girls’ hostels, to give impetus to their election campaign. Pamphlets were distributed and promises were made to fulfil all their demands, of course in exchange for their votes. A total of 13 rallies were held in all the girls’ hostels from 5 pm to 9 pm.
“This is the first time I have witnessed such a rally. It was surprising to see a huge crowd raising their voice for students’ interests,” said Arshpreet, a student. In the boys’ hostels, the candidates and their supporters were campaigning in groups. However, rallies were taken out in the girls’ hostels for a show of strength. The 20 hostels on the campus have the highest vote share in the PU Campus Student Council (PUCSC) elections. Anoop Gupta, a representative of one of the contesting groups, said, “Out of the total 20 hostels, eleven are for girl students. It is important to take out rallies in the girls’ hostels to attract voters. Also, there is no time restriction for entry in the boys’ hostel, while in the girls’ hostel, every party has to be very particular.” Gupta said, “Since there were no classes today, we decided to hold ‘nukkad’ meetings with the hostellers in the morning. It was the right time to campaign for the group during the day when everyone was present in the hostel.”
Reaching out to voters through social media
Student political parties are reaching out to voters through various social media platforms. Several reels, videos and messages of candidates contesting the elections are doing the rounds on social media.
Campaigning outside the university campus too
The contesting parties are campaigning outside the campus too. On Sunday, the ABVP organised an interactive session of university students from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan and other far-flung states with its presidential candidate at Indira Holiday Home in Sector 24, sources said.
Police flag march likely on September 4
The Chandigarh police is planning to hold a flag march on the campus on September 4. Over 100 personnel, including paramilitary forces, are expected to be part of the march on the road leading to the student centre. The police will also install CCTV cameras at various locations. Special attention will be given to ‘sensitive areas’ (Law Department, UIET, UILS and Gymnasium Hall).
Traces of litter during campaign
The litter around the hostels during the rallies on Sunday once again posed a challenge for the university, which usually follows the motto of a ‘green and clean’ campus. “We have to clean the garbage every time a group leaves after campaigning. Students should be made aware of the importance of a clean campus,” said a sweeper.
