1 hr ago
Delhi University Polls Bring Tight Security After Student Housing Tragedy
Delhi University held its student elections after a hostel building collapsed nearby.
Seven people died in that accident, including five university students.
Because of the tragedy, many candidates talked about safer and better student housing.
In North Campus, police used barricades and controlled who could enter.
Supporters of major student groups still gathered outside and urged students to vote for their candidates.
Students at some colleges stood in long lines to cast their ballots.
The university used electronic voting machines in nearly all colleges.
Some students and candidates thought independent candidates could make the race closer by splitting votes from larger groups.
Delhi University students voted for DUSU representatives 12 days after a Satya Niketan hostel collapse killed seven people, including five students.
Student housing and safety featured in several election manifestos, especially in South Campus, while North Campus candidates focused more on infrastructure.
Security was tightened with barricades, restricted entry points, police deployment and supporters barred from entering North Campus.
About 960 EVMs were deployed, with 40 reserve machines; most colleges used EVMs for the first time in these elections.
Long queues formed at Sri Venkateswara College, while Ramjas College recorded 2,578 votes from 5,973 students, or roughly 43% participation.
- Who
- Delhi University students, candidates, student groups, college officials and election authorities participated in the DUSU polls.
- What
- Students voted in Delhi University Students’ Union elections and several simultaneous college-level elections.
- Where
- Polling took place across Delhi University colleges, including North Campus, South Campus, Sri Venkateswara College and Ramjas College.
- When
- Voting took place on Friday, 12 days after the September 6 Satya Niketan building collapse.
- Why
- The election was held to choose student representatives; the recent collapse also made student housing and safety prominent campaign issues.
Student Priorities
Election Contest
Importance of housing safety
Student Priorities
Some candidates and manifestos highlighted student housing and safety after the Satya Niketan collapse.
Election Contest
Some participants, including an NSUI worker, said the tragedy and housing issue were unlikely to be decisive in determining the election outcome.
Main campus issues
Student Priorities
South Campus voters and candidates emphasized student housing and safety as concerns affecting their area.
Election Contest
A North Campus student said local campaigns focused mainly on college-specific infrastructure because housing concerns differed from those in South Campus.
Impact of independent candidates
Student Priorities
An NSUI worker said independent candidate Deepanshu Shokeen had a strong support base and could make the contest closer.
Election Contest
The same assessment suggested that independent candidates could split the NSUI vote and reduce the party’s chances.
Key facts
- Tragedy
- A private hostel in Satya Niketan collapsed on September 6, killing seven people, including five Delhi University students.
- Security
- North Campus used heavy barricades, restricted entry points and police deployment during voting.
- Voting machines
- Around 960 EVMs were deployed, with 40 held in reserve for technical problems.
- EVM use
- EVMs were used in almost all colleges for the first time, except in a few colleges with technical limitations.
- Sri Venkateswara College
- The college deployed 215 teaching staff, 150 non-teaching staff and approximately 50–60 contractual staff for election duty.
- Ramjas College turnout
- A total of 2,578 of 5,973 students voted for the college and DUSU elections together, representing roughly 43% participation.
- Accessibility
- Sri Venkateswara College set up ground-floor booths for its 79 students with disabilities.
Quotes
Vrinda Singh
Second-year law student at Campus Law Centre in North Campus
“Polling was very slow initially, but after 11.30 am, mainly in the last half an hour it (student turnout) picked up well.”
indianexpress.com
“Had it been only NSUI and ABVP, without any independent candidates, the chances would have been better.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
Related news
Delhi University Students Focus Elections On Safety, Fees, Hostels
Delhi University Polls Begin Amid Security, Rival Student Alliances
Delhi PG Collapse Puts Hostel Safety At DUSU Polls’ Center
DUSU Polls Pit ABVP, NSUI and AISA-SFI in Close Contest
DUSU Elections Begin Across Delhi University Amid Tight Security
Delhi University DUSU Campaign Ends Amid Digital and Ground Rivalries
Delhi High Court Bans DUSU Victory Processions, Notices Candidates
Delhi High Court Bans DUSU Victory Processions, Warns Criminal Action
