No platform for debates, restrictions on rallies — PU election fervour fading away

No cavalcade comprising swanky cars or hostellers waiting in balconies to see evening rallies, the Student Centre not witnessing any crowd and no Open House — the Panjab University Campus Students’ Council (PUCSC) election is slowly losing its charm.

In 2010, the authorities had stopped the ‘Open House’ where presidential candidates of all political groups used to share their views and counter each other in full public view. It used to be conducted two days before the voting, with candidates given a 10-minute window to address students. However, the event was done away with following violence and involvement of outsiders. In addition, there are restrictions imposed by the Lyngdoh Committee to maintain the serenity of the students’ elections.

The only attractive event of the PUCSC elections — evening and morning rallies — is also diminished this year. Earlier, political groups used to hold a show of strength event even a week before the day of polling.

The canvassing will come to an end on the September 1 evening. Till the filing of this report, no party had held any rally. The processions are a typical show of strength where a large number of supporters backed their respective panels, canvassing heavily at hostels, especially girls’ hostels.

While announcing the election dates, the PU authorities had made it clear that the parties intending to hold a rally will have to seek prior permission for the event. “We have given permission for five to six rallies for today. The parties have been allotted the timings too. Security agencies have been informed about it,” said Prof Amit Chauhan, Dean Student Welfare (DSW).

Sidelights

Over 1,500 day scholars applied online for parking and entry stickers

The Students’ Organisation of Panjab University (SOPU) celebrated its foundation day. Founders Dr DPS Randhawa and Ranjit Singh Panjetha (Raju) sought support for presidential candidate Ardas.

In the evening, some groups carried out rallies, but the attendance remained thin due to rain. As many as five parties had sought permission to hold rallies at girls’ hostels.

Canvassing on social media gained pace. Voters approached through various means by the contesting groups.

The rallies were scheduled for 5.30 pm, but were delayed due to rains. “Till evening, there was very little activity on the campus,” said Vivek Chauhan, a hosteller.

“The morning rallies have completely vanished. There was a time when parties would hold rallies in the morning and the presidential candidate would conclude it with a speech while standing at the iconic ramp of the Student Centre, which leads to the PUCSC office. Since there’s only one day left for canvassing, parties are planning to give it the final push in departments and later in hostels,” said Prabhsimran Sandhu, a SOPU representative.

Rain plays spoilsport

Political groups plans to carry a rally at the eleventh hour dashed due to heavy rains. In the morning, the groups canvassed in hostel canteens instead of holding a door-to-door campaign. Being a Sunday, while classrooms remained shut, the hostels had a good attendance of voters.

“In this weather, we are left with just one option — approach hostellers who turn out in good numbers to exercise their right to franchise,” added a representative of the ABVP.

Later in the evening, some groups carried out rallies, but the attendance was thin in comparison with previous years. “There’s no dearth of enthusiasm among voters. The parties have changed their approach in view of restrictions. The authorities should give a freehand to political parties to present their ideas to the students,” said Balkar Kaur, a representative of PSU Lalkaar.