Students campaign at Utkal University in Cuttack. Picture by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, Sept. 23: Aspirants for the students’ union elections made good use of the Mahalaya holiday today.

They kicked-off their door-to-door campaigning and engaged in chat sessions to woo students.

At Utkal University, presidential candidates Manas Kumar Sahoo and Rajeshraj Swain circulated their manifestos. They promised immediate filling up of vacant teaching and non-teaching posts, setting up of an information and career counselling centre and scholarship for research scholars.

In his manifesto, Sahoo promised renovation of the dilapidated buildings, better lighting arrangements on the campus, anti-ragging and sexual harassment cells in the university, stress on hostel maintenance and hygiene issues.

On the other hand, a Wi-Fi digital library, tie-up of hostels with the corporate sector for financial help, setting up of a medical store and ambulance facilities were promised by his contender, Swain.

“At Utkal University, most of the students are boarders. That is why we have spent the day meeting with the hostel students and asking them to vote for us. I have tried to make personal contacts by talking to them and trying to explain them my stand on various issues,”said Sahu.

Aspiring candidates in other colleges such as Maharshi College of Natural Law and Ramadevi College visited students at their homes.

“September 29 is inching closer and we are doing our best. We have collected the addresses of students and are visiting them personally as this is the best way to convince them. It really makes a lasting impact,” said Ipsita Behera, a candidate from Ramadevi College.

At Rourkela, campaigning has also gathered pace and aspirants were found personally visiting homes of the students.

“I was not expecting them to come to my house since today is a holiday. This is my first date with college elections,” said Rakesh, a plus three first year student of Nilasaila College here.

Campaigners were seen visiting the hangouts of students to intensify their poll agendas.

“Campaigners came to my favourite hangout and tried to impress me as they know that we sit here and all of us belong to the same college,” said Jyoti, a student of a Rourkela college. Campaigners in small groups were seen on motorcycles meeting students in many parts of the steel city, which has six major colleges — Rourkela Government Autonomous College, Municipal College, Sushilavati Women’s College, Rourkela College, previously known as Evening College, Gandhi College and Nilasaila College.

Authorities at Ravenshaw University have decided to increase surveillance at hostels. They have formed a 30-member special squad to ensure discipline in the hostels till the students’ union elections are over. “The squad will conduct special drives to check entry of outsiders and enforce discipline in the hostels,” said registrar Padan Jena.