Archive · 18 Sep 2026
Delhi University Polls Begin Amid Security, Rival Student Alliances
Delhi University students are voting to choose their student-union leaders.
The election is taking place on September 18, 2026.
Students at day colleges vote in the morning, while evening-college students vote later in the day.
The main contest includes ABVP, NSUI and an AISA-SFI alliance.
Yash Dabas is contesting for ABVP, while Vijay Shankar Meena is contesting for NSUI.
Reports disagree about how many students can vote, giving figures of more than 2.75 lakh and 1,51,842.
Reports also give different figures for the security deployment.
Police, paramilitary forces, cameras and drones are being used to help keep polling safe.
Votes will be counted on September 19.
Delhi University’s 2026 students’ union election began on Friday, September 18, with voting scheduled in two shifts.
Reports differ on the electorate, citing either more than 2.75 lakh students or 1,51,842 eligible voters.
Security reports also vary, with one citing over 600 police personnel and others reporting more than 2,000 police and paramilitary personnel.
ABVP’s Yash Dabas and NSUI’s Vijay Shankar Meena are among the presidential candidates, alongside AISA-SFI and other student groups.
EVMs, CCTV cameras, drones and body-worn cameras are being used, with counting scheduled for September 19.
- Who
- Delhi University students and candidates from ABVP, NSUI, AISA-SFI and other student organizations.
- What
- The 2026 Delhi University Students’ Union election for president, vice president, secretary and joint secretary.
- When
- Polling is on Friday, September 18, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.; counting is scheduled for Saturday, September 19.
- Where
- Delhi University’s North and South campuses, colleges and surrounding polling locations in New Delhi.
- Why
- The election is being held to choose student-union representatives; reported campaign issues include student safety, hostels, accommodation, infrastructure and broader student concerns.
Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad
National Students’ Union of India
Presidential contest
Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad
ABVP has fielded Yash Dabas for DUSU president.
National Students’ Union of India
NSUI has fielded Vijay Shankar Meena for DUSU president.
Political affiliation
Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad
The reports describe ABVP as affiliated with or backed by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and Bharatiya Janata Party.
National Students’ Union of India
The reports describe NSUI as backed by the Indian National Congress.
Central-panel candidates
Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad
ABVP’s reported panel includes Ishu or Eeshu Maurya for vice president, Riya Chhawadi or Chhabri for secretary, and Lakshyaraj Singh for joint secretary.
National Students’ Union of India
NSUI’s reported panel includes Veer Chhatrath or Chatrath for vice president, Namrata Chaudhary for secretary, and Gopal Chaudhary for joint secretary.
- Polling date
- September 18, 2026
- Voting hours
- 8:30 a.m.–1 p.m. for day or morning colleges; 3 p.m.–7:30 p.m. for evening colleges
- Reported electorate
- Sources cite either more than 2.75 lakh students or 1,51,842 eligible voters
- Reported security deployment
- One report cites over 600 police personnel; others cite more than 2,000 police and paramilitary personnel
- Presidential candidates
- Yash Dabas of ABVP, Vijay Shankar Meena of NSUI and Ananya Raturi of AISA-SFI are among the reported candidates
- Polling technology
- Electronic voting machines, CCTV cameras, drones and body-worn cameras
- Counting
- Scheduled for September 19 at the Multipurpose Hall of the University Sports Stadium in North Campus
Sources
DUSU Polls 2026: ABVP, NSUI, AISA-SFI In Contest As Voting Begins; Over 2,000 Police, Paramilitary Personnel Deployed
2.75 lakh students likely to vote amid high security today
DUSU elections 2026: Over 2.75 lakh students to vote amid tight security
DUSU Elections 2026: Over 2.75 Lakh Students To Vote As ABVP, NSUI Face Off Amid Tight Security Across Delhi University
DUSU polls: Over 2,000 police, paramilitary personnel deployed across Delhi University