But the political campaign on the college campuses could hit rough weather if the university officials take exception, now that the Election Commission Code of Conduct is in place.

After M S University (MSU) denied permission to Rahul Gandhi, Vice Chancellor Prof Ramesh Goyal said: “Keeping the Lok Sabha Model Code of Conduct in mind, political campaign cannot be allowed on the university premises. I had refused permission to Rahul Gandhi, as the students intended to make him the chief guest.

Likewise, if the BJP asks our official permission to campaign, we cannot allow it anywhere on the campus, even the hostels.”

In the same vein, vice-chancellor B G Patel of the Anand-based Sardar Patel University said: “I have not been approached by the BJYM as of now. But officially, the university cannot allow any kind of political interaction or political campaign.”

University officials, nevertheless, admit that they can do little if the students are unofficially approached on the campus by political parties. Ramesh Goyal said: “If the BJP approaches students unofficially, the university cannot keep tabs on it all the time.”

Jigar Inamdar, MSU Syndicate member and BJYM general secretary, who was in Ahmedabad for the training for Advani’s campaign, said: “The BJYM had day long training session after 111 youths were selected all across Gujarat. The youths are below 30 years of age, professionals, and are prepared to give a 10-minute PowerPoint presentation in the hostels, halls, auditoriums in all the 11 universities across Gujarat.”

He added: “They will not talk anything political; there will be an interactive session about governance, and a PowerPoint presentation called Advani at the campus.” When inquired about the Lok Sabha Model Code of Conduct, he said, “We will take official permission.”