Chandigarh, Aug 31 - Poll fervour is gripping the Panjab University (PU) campus, as student elections draw near. Political parties are throwing the rule book out of the window as they splurge to woo young voters.

The elections to the Panjab University Students' Council will be held Sep 4. To get maximum support, especially from freshers, student outfits are arranging frequent trips to the hills, movie shows, expensive hotel meals and more.

Although varsity officials maintain that Supreme Court guidelines and the J.M. Lyngdoh Committee's recommendations - like putting a budgetary limit of Rs.5,000 per candidate per party - will be strictly followed, it's not quite happening.

'If we look in practical terms, then no party can manage its campaigning in Rs.5,000. There is expenditure on countless things like fuel, banners, posters, tents and food, which easily ranges between Rs.100,000 and Rs.200,000,' Harmanjit Singh Deol, a research scholar and former student leader of PU, told IANS.

'Moreover, there is no strict vigil on the expenditure incurred by political parties. Every year, despite spending huge sums, parties managed to submit their financial statements that are always well under the set limit of Rs.5,000.'

This year four main student organisations, supported by national and regional political parties, are in the fray.

'We have been enjoying sumptuous treats in leading restaurants of the city for the last two days and this will continue till elections are over. They are even offering free liquor and tickets to latest movies in multiplexes,' Hemant Benipal, who stays in the PU hostel, told IANS.