Varsity poll: ABVP rallies for high turnout, NSUI for peace
As campaigning for the Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) elections enters its second day, the two prominent student unions, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and National Students Union of India (NSUI), have adopted contrasting approaches to reach out to the voters.
Traditional outreach vs ‘Mohabbat ki dukan’
While the ABVP is focusing on mobilising students for a high voter turnout with traditional outreach efforts, the NSUI has taken a softer, more symbolic route with their “Mohabbat ki dukan” initiative, distributing roses to spread a message of love, peace and harmony across campus
Celebration of democracy
This election is a celebration of democracy at the student level, and we are working hard to ensure maximum voter turnout. — Harsh Attri, ABVP Delhi Secretary
While the ABVP is focusing on mobilising students for a high voter turnout with traditional outreach efforts, the NSUI has taken a softer, more symbolic route with their “Mohabbat ki dukan” initiative, distributing roses to spread a message of love, peace and harmony across campus.
The RSS-backed ABVP launched a vigorous campaign today, with presidential candidate Rishabh Chaudhary, vice-president candidate Bhanu Pratap Singh, secretary candidate Mitravinda Karanwal, and joint secretary candidate Aman Kapasiya visiting various colleges across both North and South campuses.
The ABVP’s outreach efforts emphasised student participation and awareness of their manifesto, which promises infrastructural development, enhanced security for women and better amenities in hostels and libraries. “This election is a celebration of democracy at the student level, and we are working hard to ensure maximum voter turnout,” said ABVP Delhi State Secretary Harsh Attri. “If ABVP wins, we will focus on post-Covid issues and improve infrastructure, including building new hostels, and addressing women’s safety. We have a year-round presence, helping students, which is why we enjoy strong support from the university.”
The ABVP also highlighted its past achievements, which they claim have won them the trust of the student body “Our efforts have already led to the running of U-Special buses, the strengthening of women’s security and steps towards the approval of new hostel construction. Our goal is the holistic development of Delhi University,” said presidential candidate Chaudhary, rallying students during his visits to various colleges.
In contrast to the ABVP’s strategy, NSUI—Congress’s student wing— opted for a softer touch with their “Mohabbat ki Dukan” (Shop of Love) campaign, aimed at countering what they described as the “culture of violence” allegedly promoted by ABVP. NSUI candidates distributed roses to students, carrying messages of love and unity, positioning themselves as advocates of peace and inclusivity.
NSUI national president Varun Choudhary addressed the initiative, saying, “ The NSUI is committed to creating a peaceful and violence-free campus. Over the years, the ABVP has been involved in incidents that disrupt harmony on campus, and we are here to bring about a change. Our ‘Mohabbat ki Dukan’ is not just about spreading love—it’s about fostering a democratic, safe space for all students, especially women.”
NSUI candidates, including Secretary candidate Namrata Jeph, also focused on campus safety for women, advocating 12 menstrual leaves per semester and improved security measures. “Campus violence and unsafe conditions for women must end,” Jeph said.
As part of their campaign, NSUI candidates distributed copies of the Constitution of India, highlighting the values of justice, equality and freedom. “Our campaign is about creating a campus that is safe, equal and welcoming for all students,” added Jeph.
The manifestos of both the ABVP and NSUI reflect the issues that have long plagued the university, including infrastructural improvements, women’s safety, student welfare and educational reforms. With the election just days away, both parties are intensifying their efforts to sway student voters, making their final push in a heated contest for leadership of DUSU. The contrasting campaign styles—ABVP’s call for maximum turnout and NSUI’s focus on love and peace—set the stage for what promises to be an intense and closely watched election.
