PU polls: Parties turn to old-school canvassing, baithaks to strike chord with students

In an age of digital communication, face-to-face conversations still work for student leaders as the campus is abuzz with “baithaks” to discuss various issues ahead of the Panjab University Campus Students’ Council (PUCSC) elections.

While the election schedule is yet to be announced , election fervour is evident across the varsity. From departments to hostels to grounds, canteens and hostels’ parking lots, representatives of student parties can be seen canvassing for votes everywhere.

Long discussions on national politics and its impact on the varsity, involvement of regional political parties for the benefit of local students, solutions to students’ problems— the topics vary from group-to group. “Amid the poll season, there’s no dearth of topics to discuss. Recently, a group of hostellers approached us asking for power back-up plans for hostels, some raise questions over the presence of monkeys, others regarding food. However, the PUCSC election is a time where students can openly voice their grievances and also know their value as ‘voters’,” said Ashish Sharma, who is representing a student wing of a regional political group.

A representative of Students Organisation of Panjab University (SOPU), Shivender Singh, added, “The young voters are aware of campus politics. During one of our interactions, a group asked us about the impact of the resignation by the Indian Vice-President (who happens to be the varsity Chancellor) on us. I was really impressed, and talked about it at length. I think the young voters are all keen learners.”

His friend, Gurkirpal Singh Sandhu, who is canvassing for another party, said, “We were holding a ‘baithak’ at a parking lot outside a girls’ hostel, and a female student asked if we support Punjab Government’s claims over the university or not, if the university is getting enough grant, placement status and if our party comes to power… will we be able to convince the state government for more grants. Now, we cannot make fake promises. Such interactions are really important to understand the voters.”

In recent times, the PUCSC elections have gone beyond merely fulfilling the demands of the students at the campus. Many national and regional political groups have invested in the elections, raising their stakes.

From Members of Parliament to state Cabinet Ministers and representatives of various political groups, leaders view the elections to strike a chord with the youth.

“The impact of elections is huge, that’s why such interactions are important. Through this exercise, the parties assess the mentality of the youth. Interactions and such small group meetings are important instead of showing strength and canvassing in classes,” added Pushpinder Singh, a research scholar of the varsity.

Varsity chalks out guidelines, SOPs

Meanwhile, the university is planning to chalk out extensive guidelines and SOPs for all political parties, especially meant for canvassing in groups to avoid any face-off on the campus.

Last year, the university had allocated specific time slots to contesting groups for exclusive canvassing at all hostels. The rallies were organised under the supervision of police officials and also university security