Bhubaneswar: Rallies, SUV processions, hostel visits and food distribution on Tuesday marked the final day of campaigning for student union elections, with major outfits making a last-ditch effort to woo voters across campuses in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack ahead of Thursday’s polls.The ABVP, NSUI and Biju Chhatra Janata Dal (BCJD) mobilised supporters to demonstrate their strength, while candidates continued reaching out to students in hostels and private accommodations. With campaigning drawing to a close, outfits sought to combine a show of strength with personal outreach and promises on campus development and student welfare.At Utkal University, NSUI candidates and supporters took out an SUV rally. “There are nearly 5,000 voters across 39 departments, and we have reached out to almost all of them with our manifesto,” said Papu Rout, the NSUI-AISF candidate for vice-president.The ABVP, meanwhile, expressed confidence in winning across campuses, citing the organisation’s engagement with students over the past two years. “We have fielded candidates in every institution, and the mood on campuses is in our favour. Over the past two years, we have worked to address students’ concerns, and we believe this has strengthened support for our candidates and manifesto,” said ABVP member Abhiram Mishra.The BCJD highlighted demands for affordable education and better residential facilities. Candidates sought to draw attention to everyday campus concern, including hostel amenities and access to basic facilities.Food also became a prominent feature of the final-day campaign. Major outfits, including the BCJD and ABVP, arranged breakfast, lunch and snacks for students. Some women students also received small gifts, including hair clips, clutchers and lip gloss.With the campaigning ending, the ‘Why I Stand For’ meet will be organised on campuses on Wednesday.
