Bhubaneswar, Oct13: With just a day left for the much-awaited student union elections, campaigning has intensified at Utkal University, popularly known as Vani Vihar. Candidates representing three major student organisations are making every effort to woo voters, reaching out to students in classrooms during the day and visiting hostels at night. Meanwhile, security has been tightened across the campus ahead of the polls.

The university will organise the ‘Why I Stand For’ programme on Wednesday, followed by voting on Thursday. Student organisations are leaving no stone unturned to ensure victory for their respective panels. Male candidates are visiting boys’ hostels, while female candidates are reaching out to students in girls’ hostels, urging them to vote for their entire panels.

Candidates focus on student issues

Beyond campaigning, candidates are also focusing on the problems faced by students. They are documenting grievances raised by hostel residents and promising to address them if elected. However, the extent to which these assurances influence voters will become clear only after the election results are announced.

This year, students enrolled in vocational education programmes will be eligible to vote for the first time, raising expectations of a higher voter turnout.

Utkal University currently has 42 departments, with approximately 5,000 students enrolled in the first and second years. To manage the anticipated turnout, university authorities are planning to increase the number of polling booths. Each booth is expected to cater to around 500–600 students, a move aimed at ensuring smoother voting and vote-counting procedures.

Security tightened across Vani Vihar campus

Police have stepped up security at Vani Vihar ahead of the student union elections. Two additional platoons of security personnel have been deployed, while a police control room has been established on the university campus.

Authorities are also monitoring campus activities and election campaigning through CCTV cameras. The administration has intensified preparations to ensure that the elections are conducted peacefully and to prevent any untoward incidents.

With campaigning in full swing and security measures strengthened, all eyes are now on Thursday’s polling and the subsequent announcement of the student union election results.