Posters of candidates outside city colleges ahead of students’ election in Bhubaneswar. Pictures by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, Aug. 25: College campuses in the city are abuzz with polling activities as students’ union elections are scheduled to be held on September 29.

Banners and posters have come up in most of the prominent colleges where prospective candidates are making efforts to woo their supporters. Freshers are being welcomed by the hopefuls and helped out on the campuses.

“We will be concentrating on freshers. There are about 1,100 freshers on the campus this year, and we are trying to convince them in all possible ways,” said Satyabrata Mohanty from BJB College, who is contesting for the presidential post.

“We already have good rapport with the second-year and final-year students and class campaigning is already on. At present, we are helping the students organise the welcome function. Besides, the Ganesh Puja celebration will provide us with yet another chance to get acquainted with the students,” he said.

Sujit Kumar Nayak, another student from the same college, said he was trying to keep the campus ragging free. “I have been taking special care that the freshers are not bullied. There are plans to meet the students during the welcome parties and meet them one to one,” he said.

“The preparations began early this year as we do not wish to take any chance. We are trying to ensure that students do not face any problem. We are also trying to ensure that the entire process gets over peacefully,” said Apurba Aparoopa, a contestant from Ramadevi Womens’ College.

Students said they were trying to maintain peace on the campus, lest the authorities would cancel the elections.

“I want to make a career in politics, and there can be no better platform than the college union elections,” said Anuradha Jena, a candidate from the same college.

In another development, all eyes are on Utkal University, where elections have been suspended for the past two years due to violence among various students’ group. However, with the new vice-chancellor at the helm this year, the students are quite hopeful.

“A peaceful contest is always possible till there is no intervention of any outside elements,” said Pranay Nanda, a student.

Banners have also come up in Rajdhani College and Basic Science College in the city. However, most candidates have remained low profile till the welcome parties of the freshers get over. Few others have chosen to keep their candidatures under cover till a suitable time.

Sushmita, a student from Ramadevi Women’s College, said: “It will take a week or two for the fervour to sink in.”