Utkal University Polls on Thursday: Campaigning Peaks as Candidates Woo Voters .

Bhubaneswar, 13/10(PPT): Campaigning has gathered momentum at Utkal University, popularly known as Vani Vihar, with just a day remaining before the much-awaited student union elections on Thursday. Candidates from three major student organisations are stepping up efforts to secure support, reaching out to students in classrooms during the day and visiting hostels in the evening. Meanwhile, security arrangements have been strengthened across the campus to ensure peaceful polling.
The university will organise the ‘Why I Stand For’ programme on Wednesday, ahead of Thursday’s voting. Candidates and their supporters are making intensive efforts to mobilise voters and secure victory for their respective panels. Male candidates are visiting boys’ hostels, while female candidates are reaching out to students in girls’ hostels, appealing to them to support their entire panels.
Student concerns take centre stage
Alongside electioneering, candidates are seeking to connect with voters by highlighting issues affecting student life. They are noting grievances raised by hostel residents and promising to address them if elected. Whether these assurances translate into votes will become clear only after the results are declared.
For the first time, students enrolled in vocational education programmes will also be eligible to vote, a development that could influence participation in the polls. Utkal University has 42 departments and approximately 5,000 students in the first and second years. In view of the anticipated turnout, the university authorities are planning to increase the number of polling booths. Each booth is expected to cater to around 500–600 students to facilitate smoother voting and counting.
Security stepped up at Vani Vihar
Police have tightened security across the university campus ahead of the elections. Two additional platoons of security personnel have been deployed, and a police control room has been set up on the campus. CCTV cameras are being used to monitor activities and campaigning as the administration steps up measures to prevent any untoward incidents.
With the final phase of campaigning under way, candidates are making a last-ditch effort to win over undecided voters. The focus will now shift to Thursday’s polling, with the outcome expected to determine which student organisation secures the mandate at Vani Vihar.