PU student council poll: Parties put up show of strength at girls’ hostels on university campus

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, September 1

Roads were empty and handful of students were present at the Student Centre today as all election hullabaloo shifted to places near hostels on the PU campus.

It was a busy day for all contesting groups, as they conducted various ‘nukad’ meetings with hostellers to listen to their grievances, ranging from lack of water supply in summers, electricity back-up, quality of food, etc. As the evening approached, the contesting groups took advantage of a holiday and conducted rallies, especially at girls’ hostels, to fire up their election campaign. Pamphlets were distributed and promises were made to fulfil all their demands, certainly in lieu of their votes. A total of 13 rallies were conducted at all girls’ hostels from 5 pm to 9 pm.

“I have seen such a rally for the first time. It was amazing to see a huge gathering raising a voice for the students’ benefits,” said Arshpreet, a student.

At boys’ hostels, candidates and their supporters were canvassing in groups. However, rallies were conducted at girls’ hostels to put up a show of strength. The 20 hostels on the campus hold the majority of vote share for the PU Campus Student Council (PUCSC) elections.

“Eleven of the total 20 hostels are for girl students. It is important to conduct rallies at girls’ hostels so as to attract voters. Also, there is no restriction of timings for entry to boys’ hostels while at girls’ hostels, every party has to be very particular,” said Anup Gupta, a representative of a contesting group. “Since there were no classes today, we decided to hold ‘nukad’ meetings with the hostellers in the morning. It was a perfect time to canvass for the group during day time, when everyone was present at the hostel,” added Gupta.

Reaching out to voters via social media

Students’ political parties are reaching out to voters through various social media platforms. Various reels, videos and messages of the contesting candidates are doing the rounds on social media.

Campaigning outside university campus too

Contesting parties are campaigning outside the campus as well. Sources said on Sunday, the ABVP organised an interactive session of the university students from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan and other faraway states with its presidential candidate at Indira Holiday Home, Sector 24.

Police flag march likely on September 4

The Chandigarh Police are planning to conduct 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 would also install CCTV cameras at various spots. Special attention will be paid to ‘sensitive zones’ (Department of Laws, UIET, UILS and Gymnasium Hall).

Campaigning leaves behind trail of litter

Litter around hostels during rallies on Sunday again turned out to be a challenge at the university, which usually follows the motto of ‘Green and Clean’ campus. “We have to clear the waste material every time a group leaves after canvassing. The students must be aware about the importance of a clean campus,” said a sweeper.