Archive · 29 Aug 2026
Gorilla Campaign Turns Panjab University Monkey Menace Into Poll Issue
Students at Panjab University are campaigning for their student council election.
One group supporting Vipul Bharti used a person dressed as a gorilla.
They did this to draw attention to the many monkeys on campus.
Students say monkeys enter hostels and take food and belongings.
They also say the animals can make students feel unsafe.
Bharti claimed there may be 800 to 1,000 monkeys around the university.
The students want the administration to find a lasting solution.
The unusual campaign made the monkey problem a major election topic.
Independent Students Organisation supporters used a person in a gorilla costume during Panjab University election campaigning.
The campaign supported ISO vice-presidential candidate Vipul Bharti and included banners, posters and slogans.
Students said monkeys frequently enter hostels, snatch food and belongings, and cause problems on campus.
Bharti claimed that around 800 to 1,000 monkeys were present in and around the university.
Students called for a permanent, practical solution from the university administration and concerned authorities.
- Who
- Students supporting the Independent Students Organisation and its vice-presidential candidate Vipul Bharti.
- What
- They staged a gorilla-costume campaign to highlight the monkey problem at Panjab University.
- When
- During the ongoing Panjab University student council elections.
- Where
- On the Panjab University campus, including the girls' hostel area.
- Why
- To draw attention to monkeys entering hostels, taking belongings and creating safety concerns, and to demand concrete action.
- Campaign group
- Independent Students Organisation supporters
- Candidate supported
- Vipul Bharti, the ISO vice-presidential candidate
- Campaign symbol
- A person dressed as a gorilla
- Estimated monkey population
- Bharti claimed around 800 to 1,000 monkeys were present in and around the university
- Reported problems
- Monkeys allegedly enter hostels, snatch food and belongings, and create safety concerns
- Requested response
- Students want a permanent and practical solution from the administration and concerned authorities