Bhubaneswar, Sept. 27: Candidates in fray for various posts in students’ unions at colleges and universities across the state today made their last attempt to garner support by holding rallies before the “What I stand for” meeting.

Rallies were held at Utkal University, while students danced to the beat of drums at Ramadevi Women’s College and Maharshi College of Natural Law. The rallies were followed by speeches where they spoke about their vision and appealed to the students to vote for them.

At Ravenshaw University, the four presidential candidates today highlighted their objectives for contesting the polls at the meeting.

“I am contesting the poll to bring in a change on the campus and for all-round development of the university,” said Sthitaprajna Das, a presidential candidate.

“We have worked hard and many students have supported us as we want to create a good environment on the campus,” said Subrat Sethi, another presidential candidate.

Ravenshaw University authorities said adequate measures had been taken to ensure a smooth poll on Monday.

Candidates in Rourkela showing allegiance to political parties trooped into the college with their supporters as a show of strength. However, there were no sign of tension. The major candidates were to speak for five minutes. “This is my first election, and I don’t want to miss any single excitement attached with it,” said Arpita, a Plus Three first-year student at Susilavati Government Women’s College.

Tapan Panda, a presidential candidate at Isapt Autonomous College, said: “I want to do serious politics and am not here for fun. I am looking forward to a career.”