NEW DELHI: DUSU elections on September 27 have sparked vigour on campus premises, with parties unveiling manifestos and finalising list of candidates.
In the lead-up to the Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) elections, which are scheduled for September 27, the university campus is covered with party posters, stickers, and pamphlets on roads, walls, and poles. The student wings have begun their preparations and launched campaigns across the DU campus. As the countdown to the student elections intensifies, the campus is abuzz with election fever. Some student parties are still setting their agendas, while others have already released their manifestos and are finalising their lists of candidates for the upcoming elections.
DUSU is the representative body for students from most of the university’s colleges and faculties. In addition, each college conducts its own student union elections. Citing the election, the ruling Akhil Bharatiya Vidhyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has launched a university-specific bus service at Delhi University’s North Campus, fulfilling a major election promise made by the student union.
An ABVP member said that the bus service was inaugurated earlier this week by DUSU President Tushar Dedha, along with Secretary Aprajita, Joint Secretary Sachin Baisla, and Delhi University officials, including Proctor Professor Rajni Abbi and Deputy Proctor Dr Saurabh. The reinstatement of the special bus service was made possible through the allocation of Rs 70 lakh from the past three years’ DUSU Fund for the purchase and operation of buses.
Dedha highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, “The reinstatement of special buses has been a long-standing demand of ABVP, ensuring accessible and affordable transportation for Delhi University students.”
He further emphasised ABVP’s commitment by saying, “Our promises are not just words on paper; we are an organisation that serves students 365 days a year.”
DUSU Secretary Aprajita added, “As pledged in our manifesto, we have launched U-special buses today through our dedicated DUSU fund. This initiative demonstrates ABVP’s dedication to keeping its promises and its continuous service to the students of Delhi University.”
Meanwhile, the Congress-affiliated National Students Union of India (NSUI) is making a concerted effort to win over students with their manifesto. They have been organising marches to capture students’ attention. During one such march, NSUI National President Varun Chaudhary emphasised key issues, including the rising cost of education, unqualified appointments, the presence of fake degree holders, harassment and misogyny on campus, and the increasing atmosphere of fear and violence.
Chaudhary underscored the need for a unified student movement to revive the democratic and inclusive spirit of the university.
Confident in NSUI’s prospects, he stated, “This time, NSUI will secure all four DUSU seats and work towards a safer, more affordable, and inclusive Delhi University for all students.”
The march is part of NSUI’s broader commitment to protecting the rights and interests of the student community at Delhi University.
Earlier this week, the left-affiliated groups AISA and SFI joined forces to contest the upcoming DUSU elections together. Announcing their alliance, the organisations stated their intention to challenge the dominance of the ABVP, which is backed by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The Left groups also revealed a joint manifesto that focusses on key student issues, such as fee hikes, hostel accommodations, and accessible education. Neha, AISA’s Delhi Secretary, said that AISA will contest the positions of president and vice president, while SFI will vie for the posts of secretary and joint secretary.
Ashutosh Singh, ABVP’s National Media Convenor and Spokesperson, said that ABVP is contesting the elections with the welfare of students in mind. He emphasised that their manifesto was crafted based on student input.
“More than 10,000 students provided suggestions, and from those, we selected the most common concerns, including women’s safety, the construction of new classrooms and hostels, and addressing price hikes,” he said.
When asked about the AISA and SFI alliance, Singh remarked, “Left-wing student organisations have little influence at Delhi University, so their alliance won’t impact the DUSU elections. In 2018, CYSS and AISA teamed up and failed to win any seats. ABVP has consistently countered their propaganda, and their shrinking presence has forced them to unite just to avoid falling behind NOTA.”
Meanwhile, Honey Bagga, NSUI’s National Secretary, outlined his organisation’s key priorities, including metro concession passes, hostels for all, a “one course, one fee” structure, opposition to fee hikes, free Wi-Fi on campus, and 24/7 library access. He emphasised the importance of affordability and increased hostel accommodations.
Bagga confidently stated, “Last time, we won the vice president seat. This time, we are confident we’ll secure all four positions.”
The elections for the DUSU office bearers are scheduled for September 27, with vote counting set to take place the following day. Last year, the RSS-affiliated ABVP won three central panel positions, including the presidency, while the Congress-affiliated NSUI secured the vice presidency. These elections marked a return after a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.