Campaigning with a difference

The campaigning for students elections this year has seen a radical change with most parties employing out-of-the-box ideas to leave an impression on the electorate.

Pu polls Parties using information technology to communicate with students; taking up issues of public interest,unlike in the past

The campaigning for students elections this year has seen a radical change with most parties employing out-of-the-box ideas to leave an impression on the electorate. From using technology to deliver their message to the masses,the parties have also embarked upon awareness campaigns on issues of daily interest.

Virtual campaign

Gone are the days of parties campaigning for student polls by employing traditional tools like rallies and posters. Polls this time around are being fought on blogs,websites and text messages.

Members are in the process of opening a website dedicated solely to the party. This will enable students to provide feedback and serve as a vital communication tool, said Randeep Singh Khaira,state president,National Students Union of India (NSUI).

Other parties have launched community websites and are using social networking sites,such as Facebook,to communicate with students. The Facebook accounts are constantly updated with the latest news,including rallies,achievements and upcoming events. This not only keeps party supporters and members in the loop,but also helps better communication with freshers, said Students Organisation of India (SOI) secretary Tarlochan Singh.

Incentives of the yesteryears,like movie tickets and fresher party coupons,however remain in vogue.

Campaign with a cause

We want to help students by increasing awareness on issues,which could prove helpful to them. Next week,we will organise an awareness camp on the campus where the Right to Information Act will be discussed. This will not only provide information on filing an RTI application,but also encourage students to effectively use the Act, said Khaira.

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The SOI is not behind. Events like fresher parties in discotheques are a waste. SOI will organise events in which documentaries on environment and social issues would be screened, said Tarlochan Singh. SOPU has launched its election campaign I Believe,in a bid to listen to the problems of students on a one-to-one basis. NSUI and SOPU are making use of handmade posters and stickers for campaigning. The parties have also instituted girls wings to enable girl students to share their personal issues with party members.

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Campaigning with a difference

The campaigning for students elections this year has seen a radical change with most parties employing out-of-the-box ideas to leave an impression on the electorate.

The campaigning for students elections this year has seen a radical change with most parties employing out-of-the-box ideas to leave an impression on the electorate.