PU Election 2026: Final Day of Campaigning, Four-Way Contest Raises Political Temperature
Prabhjot Kaur Sidhu
Chandigarh, August 29, 2026: The election atmosphere at Panjab University, Chandigarh, has intensified ahead of the student elections scheduled for August 31. Saturday marked the final day of campaigning, with various student organisations holding rallies, raising slogans and conducting vigorous campaigning across the campus. Supporters of different groups were seen displaying enthusiasm as the election battle entered its final phase.
This year, the contest for the post of President is a four-cornered one, with candidates from ABVP, NSUI, ASAP and Sath in the fray. While three of these student organisations are affiliated with political parties, Sath has fielded its own candidate independently.
Sath Invites Rivals for Debate at Student Centre, but Candidates Stay Away
On the final day of campaigning, Sath invited the other three presidential candidates to participate in a debate at the Student Centre. The organisation called upon the presidential candidates of ABVP, NSUI and ASAP to sit together before the students and debate issues concerning the university and its students.
However, according to Sath, none of the three candidates turned up for the debate. Sath said that one day is still left before the elections and that if any presidential candidate from another group wants to participate in a debate, they can invite Sath's candidate.
Students Share a Different Perspective
Amid the election campaign, conversations with students brought out a different perspective about the current election atmosphere. Some students said that the environment this year appears considerably different from previous elections.
According to students, the presidential candidates are openly challenging each other and confronting their rivals during campaigning. Sloganeering, hooting, loud noise and displays of strength have also been witnessed on the campus.
Students said that such an atmosphere can affect both academics and the overall environment of the university. They maintained that competition is an essential part of elections, but it should be based on issues, policies and the candidates' vision rather than demonstrations of strength.
Cleanliness Becomes an Issue: Why Is the Campus Covered With Posters?
Students have also raised questions about cleanliness during the election campaign. They pointed out that different parties and candidates mention cleanliness and keeping the university clean in their manifestos, but large numbers of banners and posters are put up during campaigning.
According to students, the posters are not limited to university walls or common areas. They are also being put up at various locations inside hostels. Students claimed that posters have even been seen on toilet seats, mirrors and geysers in bathrooms.
They said such practices not only affect the appearance of Panjab University but also contribute to increasing litter and waste on campus.
‘Elections Should Focus on University Issues’
Another major suggestion from students is that Panjab University's student elections should remain focused on issues directly related to the university and its students.
Students said political parties and political leaders should not interfere in campus elections. They believe students should be able to sit together, exchange views, question candidates and hear their responses before deciding whom to support.
According to them, students should know what each candidate intends to do for the university, what their priorities are and what their vision is for addressing students' problems. They said the election should ultimately be based on the candidates' policies, priorities and ability to represent students.
Contest Also On for Vice-President, Secretary and Joint Secretary
Voting on August 31 will not be limited to the post of President. Candidates are also contesting for the posts of Vice-President, Secretary and Joint Secretary. Various student organisations and groups have fielded candidates for these positions as well.
As a result, considerable enthusiasm is being witnessed among students and different groups ahead of the August 31 voting.
With the final day of campaigning now over, all eyes are on August 31. Along with the four-way contest for the presidency, a close battle is also expected for the other key office-bearer posts.
The final decision now rests with the students, who will determine which candidate and which group earns their trust. The results of the voting on August 31 will reveal which faction establishes its dominance in Panjab University's student politics this year and who ultimately occupies the presidential chair.