Election turnout stands at 39.45% in DU polls; ABVP and NSUI engage in disputes over alleged irregularities, while female candidates showcase their strong campaigning efforts.
The much-anticipated Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) elections for the posts of president, vice-president, secretary, and joint secretary were held on Thursday, with a voter turnout of nearly 40%. This year's elections have been marked by a triangular contest, with the main battle between the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and the National Students' Union of India (NSUI), and a prominence of women candidates, a development not seen in almost two decades.
Over the past decade, the ABVP has dominated the presidential elections, winning six times, while the NSUI has bagged the post twice. This year, the ABVP has fielded Aryan Maan from Bahadurgarh, promising subsidised metro passes, free Wi-Fi, accessibility audits for persons with disabilities, and better sports facilities. On the other hand, the NSUI has nominated Khushi Anuj Sharma as their candidate.
The elections proceeded smoothly across most colleges, as stated by Chief Election Officer Raj Kishore Sharma. However, there have been allegations of vote manipulation and outsiders creating a commotion, particularly at Kirori Mal College. Both the ABVP and NSUI have accused each other of such activities.
ABVP Delhi secretary, Sarthak Sharma, claimed that the NSUI is no longer in the race for second but struggling for third place. In contrast, NSUI president Varun Choudhary demanded the cancellation of ABVP's presidential candidate's nomination, alleging "systematic vote chori". The ABVP rejected the charges and termed them as a reflection of NSUI's frustration.
At Miranda House, more than 60% of the 5,000 students exercised their vote. Notably, ABVP's Nupur Sharma was the last woman to hold the DUSU president's office in 2008-09. This year, women candidates are making a significant impact, with the elections being described as "clean and green" with strict enforcement of anti-defacement guidelines.
Ronak Khatri, the NSUI leader, posted a video countering the allegations, claiming that the ABVP is pressuring students to cast their vote and alleging vote theft. Delhi Police deployed over 600 personnel for the elections, including 160 with body-worn cameras, to ensure a fair and secure voting process.
The results of the DUSU elections will be announced on September 19. The elections have been a significant event in the university, with high stakes and intense competition between the two major student organisations. The outcome will shape the student body's direction for the upcoming academic year.
