Bhubaneswar, Sept. 8: Display of money and power has taken over students' union elections with candidates going all out to woo voters and garner support.

Aspirants to the students' union of various colleges distributing eatables, including biryani, ice cream and sweets, have become a common sight on campuses.

Despite a Rs 5,000 cap on poll-related expenditure according to Lyngdoh Commission guidelines, the candidates continue to bypass those rules. Some have found unique ways to fight back allegations of flouting the guidelines. 'I distributed the sweets on my birthday. As I was contesting the elections, the students demanded a celebration,' said a student from Rama Devi Women's University, who did not want to be named.

According to a student leader at Utkal University, most often, the parent parties of the students' organisation that the candidate represents foots the bill to elude the clutches of the commission's guidelines.

Sources said candidates were also distributing gift items such as statues of gods and goddesses, utility items like pens and stationery materials. Students said receiving gifts and treats from candidates was common during the days leading up to the elections.

'The other day, a group of supporters of a particular candidate sent me a card with a box of chocolates. They also keep us calling and sending messages,' said Monalisa Jena, a student of Rajdhani College in the city.

Candidates also admit that giving gifts was an essential part of the campaign, and also the most expensive.

'There are expectations from supporters. Also, we cannot avoid it because our opponents do it and we have to compete,' said a students' union aspirant from Utkal University.

According to sources, students living in hostels are in special focus of the aspirants. Apart from food, candidates are also offering them alcoholic beverages in an attempt to get votes.

Academics feel that the rules have by and large been flouted and it was up to the implementing authority to ensure that they were followed.

'Huge amount of money is being spent on posters and splurging on gifts for students. Student organisations and the rest are blatantly ignoring the guidelines. Strict action needs to be taken so that every contestant gets a free and fair chance,' said Gayatri Kar, a teacher.

The guidelines also ban the use of printed posters, pamphlets and other materials for campaigning. Elections to students' union in colleges across the state are scheduled to take place on September 23.