Campus walls have now made way for the Facebook 'Wall'. With campaign on full steam for the Delhi University student polls, campaigners are not only making sure they reach out to students on the campus but are also actively mobilising support through online social networks.

While it pays to be active on virtual platforms like Facebook and Twitter where over 50 per cent of the University students are available, it also makes for a campaign that is low on budget but high on outreach.

Moreover, with strict regulations in place in line with the Lyngdoh committee recommendations for student polls that require a more austere and sober campaign, the budgets have been drastically slashed and students are making sure they do not deface walls by sticking posters.

So, the campus walls, which were earlier plastered with posters and slogans, have now made way for the Facebook wall.

"It has definitely become an important platform. Moreover, with almost 60 to 70 per cent of the University students on Facebook, it is easily the best way to keep them updated and informed," says Rohit Chahal, Delhi state secretary of ABVP.

All major camps have Facebook pages dedidated to their cause, plus Twitter updates and blogs are also being used to mobilise students. So, while ABVP's blog with the name of 'Chattra Udghosh' on dusuabvp.blogspot.com has its presidential candidate Neha Singh seeking a mandate against corruption on September 9, NSUI's Facebook page 'JoinNSUI' is seeking support for its candidates.

In fact, student groups have special teams dedicated to keep the pages rolling with updates and information to the thousands of followers.

"We are out to campaign in full strength. Of course we are utilising Facebook, Twitter and even blogs to attract attention," says Shahnawaz Khan of the National Students Union of India. .

Ever since the Lyngdoh committee recommendations were put in place two years back, the campaigning which earlier used to be a lot more colourful and high on expenditure, has lost most of its sheen.

The polls for the 2009 union, in fact, were marred by a number of disqualifications for violations in election code, that includes a Rs 5,000 limit on expenditure.

Besides printed posters and stickers, the code of conduct also enforces a strict ban on using vehicles or animals for campaigning or loudspeakers.
Consequently the last two years have seen a shift in the modes of campaigning, and social media has emerged as one of the most viable alternatives.

"If you look for Neha Singh on Facebook, you will find seven to eight profiles of our presidential candidate and with each page having a following in thousands, it automatically becomes an important platform," says Chahal.

41 candidates, including 14 for the post of DU Students Union President and nine for the Vice Presidential polls, are in fray for the September 9 elections.