Students of Rama Devi College (above) and BJB College (below) campaign in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday. Pictures by Shilpi Sampad and Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, Sept. 7: Campaigning for the college elections headed into the home stretch today. With just a day to go for the polls, students of colleges across the city made their final push.

The “what I stand for” meeting was held in all colleges of the city that will be participating in the elections tomorrow. This meeting is held for the candidates to explain to the college students their objective of contesting the polls.

The three presidential candidates of Ramadevi Women’s College tried their best to outshine each other. One of the groups in support of aspirant Sonali Pradhan took out a two-wheeler rally before the meeting. In her speech, she highlighted the need of modernisation of classrooms, and building a bigger auditorium and canteen. She said: “I believe in action, not in making false promises.”

Other candidates, Subhasmita Nayak and Laxmipriya Singh, also came forth at the meeting with their plans.

Subhasmita said: “I have done my best to convince the students. Power is not the only thing that counts for me. I am looking forward to take the college to newer heights of success.” Laxmipriya, who seemed to be in a rather humorous mood, said: “If I win, my first task would be to clean up the mess we have created during campaigning. Every candidate has come forth with new ideas. It will be an intense battle indeed.”

Only a few students turned up for the meeting at BJB College. That, however, did not deter the candidates. They, along with their supporters, went around the college campus shouting slogans, bursting balloons and dancing before the meeting started. Teachers deployed at the gates allowed only students with identity cards and in proper uniforms to enter the auditorium for the meeting.

Lakshyapati Nayak, an aspirant for the post of the dramatics secretary, did a dramatic twist by dressing up as Lord Hanuman on the occasion. “I arranged this costume in order to put a touch of culture to the campaigning. In the annual function last year, there was no cultural programme. If I win, I will surely revive all cultural activities in the college,” he said.

Presidential candidates Ajit Behera and Jogesh Chandra Jena showed their oratory skills amidst cheers from jubilant supporters gathered at the auditorium.

Biju Janata Dal backed-Ajit reiterated his promises of providing proper drinking water in the college and hostel, boys’ common room. He also promised of developing a culture of sports activities and renovating the library.

On the other hand, Jogesh, an independent candidate, gave his word to deploy a security guard at the college gate to check the entry of outsiders.

Principal Dusmanta Sahoo said that precautionary measures are being taken to ensure fair and peaceful elections. “Only students who have cleared their college dues, dressed in proper college uniforms and carrying their identity cards will be allowed to vote. Students will not be allowed to enter the college with mobile phones, food packets, pushing cards and water pouches during election.”

He added that teachers and other members of the college authorities will be put in charge of ensuring harmony and discipline on the college premises during election.

Rajdhani College wore a deserted look as the campaigning went on in a subtle manner. Presidential aspirant Gouranga Bhoi said that because of low attendance at the meeting, they are pursuing door-to-door campaigning while also taking the help of text messaging. At the meeting, Gouranga stressed the need for a bigger cycle stand, college canteen, boys’ common room. “Ensuring regular classes and restricting the entry of outsiders are also required,” he said.