Student groups step up hostel canvassing at Panjab varsity

Chandigarh, August 24

Taking account of the past near to cent-percent voter turnout, the political groups contesting the Panjab University Campus Students’ Council (PUCSC) elections utilised their ‘Sunday’ by carrying heavy crusading at different hostels, located at both main and south campus of the university.

Besides focusing on introducing their respective agendas, the groups extensively approached the hostel residents strongly asking them to exercise their right on September 3- the voting day.

Daksh, a representative of the Student Organisation of India (SOI), explained why Sunday was chosen. “On Sundays, departments are closed and most hostellers are available to interact. As the voting day comes closer, we wanted to reach all boys’ and girls’ hostels. We formed 10 teams of male and female representatives who extensively met hostellers, listened to their grievances, and presented our agenda,” he said.

The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) also carried out a door-to-door campaign in hostels. “We have just released our manifesto, which highlights major issues such as hostel cleanliness, the quality of mess food, provision of high-speed Wi-Fi, safety of girl students, and extension of library hours. We not only explained our agenda but also discussed possible solutions directly with the hostellers,” said ABVP’s Parvindra Singh.

The role of hostels in PUCSC elections has grown over the years. With 21 residences—including eight for boys, 11 for girls, one for working women, and an international hostel—housing nearly 7,500 students, they account for almost half of the expected 16,500-strong voter base. “Majority of seniors in these hostels represent one or other party, which makes canvassing more aggressive here throughout the day. Day scholars leave the campus after classes, but hostellers remain consistently engaged with political activities,” added Pukhraj, a representative of SOPU.

20 elections, one man: ASI Kishore

First held in 1977, the PUCSC elections attracted many but not someone like Chandigarh Police Assistant Sub Inspector (ASI) Nand Kishore, popularly known as Nandu in the university circles.

Kishore, who had joined the force in 1999, has managed around 20 PUCSC elections. A ‘man to go’ for Chandigarh Police and the university security, Kishore has worked in the campus at the time when violence was at peak during the PUCSC election, and witnessed participation of some seasoned student leaders who later became well-known politicians and MPs.

“This is my regular posting since 1999. In between, I was posted in the security wing for six months but called back to the university. Even now, I attend my promotional training in the day and report to the campus in the afternoon. My prime duty is to ensure a peaceful atmosphere during elections, and even student leaders support me in this task. I have seen almost 20 elections and I know who is capable of what. Many times, tempers rise, but it is important to calm the youngster. Since my joining, I have been posted here and rose from the ranks constable to ASI. No matter where I am posted, I am always assigned here during PUCSC elections,” said Kishore.