PU Elections: Campaigning Ends, 3 Departments Hold the Key With 34% Votes

Chandigarh : Campaigning for the Panjab University Campus Students Council (PUCSC) elections, scheduled for September 3, came to a close amid heavy rains, with candidates making last-minute efforts in hostels and footmarches.

This year, campaigning was largely muted, partly due to multiple holidays and restrictions on outsider entry. Digital outreach and social media played a bigger role than ever before.

Key Voting Departments:

According to the latest voter list, three departments —

University Institute of Engineering and Technology (UIET) – 2,535 voters

University Institute of Legal Studies (UILS) – 1,921 voters

Department of Laws – 1,094 voters

— together account for 34.42% of the total 16,142 voters on campus, making them crucial to the election outcome.

Five of the eight presidential candidates belong to these “big three” departments:

UIET: Mankirat Singh Mann (ASAP), Seerat Kaundal (SOI)

Law Departments: Gaurav Veer Sohal (ABVP), Parabhjot Singh Gill (NSUI), Navneet Kaur (ASF)

Strategic Dynamics:

Having multiple candidates from these key departments could divide votes, as noted by former ABVP president Rajat Puri. Smaller departments may play a decisive role, depending on alliances. For instance, Sumit Sharma (MA Geography) has formed strategic ties with candidates from UIET and UILS to boost his prospects.

Voter Demographics:

Total gender data collected for 13,084 students: 6,939 women (53%), 6,123 men, and 2 transgender voters (Arts History & Visual Arts, Defence Studies).

Muted Campaign & Security Measures:

Student leader Divyansh Thakur noted that campaigns were more digital-focused and classroom-based rather than exuberant rallies. Extra security, outsider restrictions, and heavy rain further dampened the on-campus energy.

Dean of Students Welfare Amit Chauhan explained that while face-to-face campaigning continued, overall voter engagement was lower due to these constraints.

Show-Cause Notices:

The DSW issued around 10 show-cause notices to student parties for violations. Responses from candidates are awaited before PU decides on penalties.