Election office set to crack down on violations as Delhi varsity student poll nears

With the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections set for September 27, student political outfits such as the RSS-backed Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and Congress’ National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) ramped up their campaigning efforts across various colleges on Monday. Both groups are vying for votes.

However, providing a reminder to all candidates, the office of the Chief Election Officer (CEO) for DUSU elections issued a notice directing the immediate removal of banners and posters that bear candidate names and ballot numbers from the university premises within 24 hours. The notice was part of an effort to enforce the rules laid out by the Lyngdoh Committee for fair elections.

CEO Satyapal Singh said the election office was closely monitoring all campaign activities, including the use of banners, posters and vehicles during rallies. He emphasised that all student unions and candidates must strictly adhere to the code of conduct, which includes guidelines from the Lyngdoh Committee, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Delhi Prevention of Defacement of Property Act, 2007.

“Any failure to remove campaign materials within the allotted time will result in strict action, including potential disqualification and criminal penalties,” Singh said. The notification also reminded candidates that only handmade posters could be pasted on designated “Walls of Democracy” within campus limits.

Meanwhile, ABVP and NSUI candidates, split into groups of two, campaigned across various colleges to spread their respective messages. The ABVP, which is campaigning in over 52 colleges, focused its efforts on colleges in North Campus, such as Shri Ram College of Commerce, Ramjas College and Kirori Mal College, as well as off-campus institutions like Dyal Singh College and the College of Vocational Studies. The student union distributed flashcards of candidates, along with its manifesto, which highlights promises for the holistic development of Delhi University.

Speaking about ABVP’s campaign goals, ABVP Delhi secretary Harsh Attri said, “The DUSU election is a celebration of democracy at the student level. All students should participate in the voting process. If ABVP wins this year, we will prioritise infrastructural development, including building new hostels and libraries and addressing post-Covid issues faced by students.”

The NSUI, on the other hand, organised a special programme for Purvanchal students at Delhi University, which saw a large turnout. NSUI national president Varun Choudhary said, “I have a personal bond with Purvanchal, having once been the in-charge of NSUI there.

In the recent Lok Sabha elections, the people of Purvanchal voted for jobs and change. Similarly, I believe that Purvanchal students will vote for NSUI on the same lines — for jobs, better education and to reject ABVP,” Choudhary said. He added, “We will secure a decisive victory in the DUSU elections, winning all four seats.”

The event also saw participation from notable Congress figures, including NSUI national incharge Kanhaiya Kumar, Congress social media chairperson Supriya Shrinate and former NSUI president Nadeem Javed, further energising the campaign atmosphere.