Elections then & now

Jasmine Singh

Gun shots, fist fight, mudslinging, minute-by-minute update on social media, these are the common happenings of the Panjab University student election and with the campaigning in its nascent stage, we will be encountering many more thrilling episodes. But back in 2006 or 2009, student elections was a totally different ball game. Like Dalvir Singh Khangura (Goldy), an ex-SOPU president puts it across, "There were only two colours, saffron for PUSU, and fluorescent green for SOPU, this is it," he smiles with a grin. 

So much has changed in the Panjab University election scene, towards better and also towards not so pleasant, something that some old and popular student leaders would be able to define better, right here. 

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Kuljit Singh Nagra

The year it was:  PUSU president from 1989 onwards.  

It was then: Their used to be no political interference, we didn't run after political leaders, in fact they would ask us to support them. Besides, student elections in my time was not money-driven, there were no hoardings or coloured posters. We could fight elections in a reasonable amount. Our posters wouldn't carry any photograph, it would just highlight the aims and objectives of the party, and below it, in small font the name of the party president would be mentioned. 

Current scenario: Panjab University elections have a lot of political interference now. Also, look at the amount of money they spend on elections. These days, you come across posters with a huge picture of the candidate with no mention of the aims and objectives.

The edge now: Social media, information dissemination is better and instant now. 

Dalvir Singh Khangura (Goldy)

The year it was: My first PU election as SOPU president was in 2005-2006.

Never heard of gang wars: We also used have arguments with members of the other party, but the degree would be far less from what we see today. Now we see and hear about gang wars a lot more. 

Good ol’ days: We used to have an open house where parties would gather at Student Centre and leaders of both the parties would put forth their agendas. There would be questions from the students, and it was a fair process. 

It's about poster boys now: Now, the leaders are on the back front, and the poster boys with their WhatsApp number and email ID on the coloured posters enjoy the mileage. 

Present perfect: It is good to see parties proposing the names of girls for the post of party president. 

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Dayal Pratap Singh Randhawa

The year it was: I am the founder of SOPU, 1997. And I was elected for two-terms, 1998-1999 and 1999-2000. 

Those were the days: We did not spend so much on elections, it wasn't a game of money at all. The only expenses  were either of the halwai making laddoos or the printing wala. There were no motorcycles, flashy cars, we used to campaign on foot.

No after party: We didn't party ever, neither before nor after the elections. I remember walking back home with Rs 10 in my pocket after winning the election. 

And now: I think the Lyngdoh Committee has brought down the level of student leadership. Party representatives are no longer true representatives. 

The good of today: The best thing about PU elections today is that they have the support of social media. My entire party then, had just one mobile phone! 

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Khushbaz Singh Jattana

The year it was: SOPU president 2002-2004 

Good times: In our times, there used to be just two local outfits SOPU and PUSU, there weren't any political supported outfits. Students of PU would select their leader on the basis of personality and the amount of service done for the student community. 

It’s glamour now: I see more glamour coming in elections, these days, only pretty girls are given tickets. Also there is so much money and liquor involved.

No good: I don' think there is anything good that is happening in PU elections today. 

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Barinder Dhillon

The year it was: SOPU president 2008-2009, he is credited for bringing NSUI on the campus in 2013.

No student leadership: Elections in our time were more focus oriented, and a leader used to win anti-establishment. Now, I see lack of student leadership. 

Fight it out: We used to have fights, but ours would not go out of the campus. Now, I see so many outside elements involved in brawls. 

The good day: Nowadays student leaders have more opportunities for growth. 

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