1 hr ago
DUSU Polls Pit ABVP, NSUI and AISA-SFI in Close Contest
Delhi University students are voting to choose their student-union leaders.
The main groups competing are ABVP, NSUI and an alliance between AISA and SFI.
Students will vote in the morning or afternoon depending on their class schedule.
The groups have different candidates for president, vice-president, secretary and joint secretary.
They are discussing safety, housing, hostels, clean water and working Wi-Fi.
Some students also want better college festivals and cheaper drinks in canteens.
The Delhi High Court said campaigning must not involve violence, vandalism or outsiders.
It warned that vote counting and results could be stopped if authorities do not respond properly.
Voting for four DUSU central-panel posts is scheduled in two shifts on Friday.
ABVP, NSUI and the AISA-SFI alliance have fielded candidates for all four posts.
Student safety, housing, hostels and everyday campus facilities are key campaign issues.
The university deployed 1,000 EVMs, with 960 planned for use and 40 in reserve.
The Delhi High Court warned it could halt vote counting over alleged campaign violence and disorder.
- Who
- Delhi University students, with candidates from ABVP, NSUI and the AISA-SFI alliance.
- What
- The Delhi University Students' Union election for president, vice-president, secretary and joint secretary.
- Where
- Delhi University campuses, with counting planned at the Multipurpose Hall in the University Sports Stadium, North Campus.
- When
- Voting is scheduled for Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; counting is scheduled for September 19.
- Why
- The election will determine the DUSU central panel for the 2026-27 academic session, amid debates over safety, housing and campus facilities.
Student Organizations' Platforms
Court and Institutional Concerns
Student safety and housing
Student Organizations' Platforms
The AISA-SFI alliance has emphasized affordable accommodation and hostel facilities, while ABVP has proposed a Student Housing Cell and safety audits. NSUI has framed its campaign around student interests and a safer university.
Court and Institutional Concerns
The Delhi High Court has focused on immediate safety during campaigning, criticizing alleged violence, vandalism, outsiders and other conduct that could endanger students and staff.
Nature of student politics
Student Organizations' Platforms
AISA-SFI says it represents alternative politics and wants a student-led DUSU without money and muscle politics. ABVP and NSUI have sought student feedback through manifesto campaigns.
Court and Institutional Concerns
The High Court said criminal or unruly behavior cannot be justified in the name of democracy and demanded action by Delhi University and Delhi Police.
Election continuity
Student Organizations' Platforms
The university is proceeding with voting and has prepared EVMs, control rooms and security arrangements for the process.
Court and Institutional Concerns
The High Court has not postponed voting but warned that it could stop counting and the declaration of results if authorities' response to alleged campaign misconduct is unsatisfactory.
Key facts
- Voting schedule
- Day classes: 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m.; evening classes: 3 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
- Counting location
- Multipurpose Hall, University Sports Stadium, North Campus.
- Electronic voting machines
- 1,000 deployed; 960 planned for use and 40 held in reserve.
- Main contestants
- Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, National Students' Union of India, and the AISA-SFI alliance.
- 2025 result
- ABVP won three of four central-panel posts, while NSUI won the vice-president's position.
- Previous turnout
- The previous election reported a voter turnout of 39.45 percent.
- Court warning
- The Delhi High Court warned it could stay counting and result declarations if authorities failed to address alleged misconduct.
Quotes
Raj Kishore Sharma
Chief Election Officer for the DUSU elections
“A total of 12 control rooms will be functional on Friday. In case any of the EVMs glitch, experts will be available to readily fix them.”
livemint.com
“Diet Coke is basically the drink of Gen Z and the fuel during exam season. Give us Diet Coke and see how our productivity doubles.”
livemint.com
D K Upadhyaya and Tejas Karia
Delhi High Court Chief Justice and judge hearing the DUSU matter
“No excuses will be accepted by the court. We are making it very clear that though we are not staying the election or postponing the election, if we are not satisfied by your action, tomorrow we can pass harsher orders, including staying the counting and declaration of results.”
livemint.com
Sources
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