Students of SBR Women’s College in Berhampur shows off campaign pamphlets. Picture by Gopal Krishna Reddy

Bhubaneswar, Sept. 24: Utkal University today witnessed tension as a group of students contesting for various posts in the students’ union election gheraoed the vice-chancellor’s office.

The students alleged that they were receiving threats from their opponents.

The students demanded immediate intervention of the vice-chancellor. The situation was brought under control after the authorities promised them action.

With the polls just a few days away, candidates were busy campaigning. In Ramadevi Women’s College and Maharshi College, candidates and their supporters can be spotted distributing cards to fellow students.

At the Ravenshaw University in Cuttack, aspirants are gearing up to show their strength by holding rallies during the “What I Stand For” meet scheduled to be held on September 27.

“There is usually a vote swing after the ‘What I Stand For’ meet. It is for this reason that every candidate will try their best to woo the voters for one last time on September 27,” said a candidate.

Students of Ramadevi Women’s College discuss about the ensuing poll. Picture by Ashwinee Pati

Social media have emerged as a major tool for campaigning. Almost all the candidates, who are in the fray, are seen using Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites extensively to woo the voters.

Posts, pictures and status updates are on a constant churn on the social media sites, especially on Facebook. Candidates are appealing to students to extend their support in social media. Some candidates have also engaged their friends to post photographs.

Pratap Hans, a student from Sambalpur University, who is contesting for the post of the vice-president, said: “We cannot use printed material for campaigning. That is why we are distributing hand-written cards to garner support. It is a difficult task to reach out to each and every student. However, through social media, we are able to connect to large number of students. It is also the quickest medium to reach students, and I have urged them to cast their votes for me.”

Chairman of the post-graduate council of Sambalpur University R.S. Nanda said: “There is an expense cap. Candidates cannot spend more than a certain amount for campaigning. That is why they are flocking to the social media sites — which are effective in garnering support.”