Delhi University Outfits Step Up Campaigning Ahead of September Student Polls
Student political outfits have intensified their campaigning across Delhi University ahead of the upcoming student union elections scheduled to take place in September. While prospective candidates are visiting various university colleges for physical outreach, a major chunk of campaigning has shifted online through social media reels due to strict election guidelines enforced this year.
Under the stringent rules put in place for this year's elections, only a maximum of five students are permitted per college for non-disruptive campaigning. In addition, the use of vehicles has been heavily restricted across university grounds.
Currently, the Delhi University central panel comprises three post-holders from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and one representative from the Congress-backed National Students’ Union of India (NSUI).
Earlier this week, the ABVP launched its ‘My DU, my manifesto’ campaign, inviting students across colleges to share their concerns, expectations, and suggestions to help shape the organisation's election manifesto. ABVP Delhi State Secretary Sarthak Sharma stated that the initiative seeks to reach out to every student to understand the most pressing issues and the changes they wish to see on campus.
The NSUI has been running a similar student feedback drive and has collected over 6,000 student suggestions. NSUI Media In-charge Ravi Pandey stated that the organisation started the ‘May I Help You’ campaign across DU to ensure every newcomer receives necessary support, guidance, and assistance during admissions and college life.
Other student organisations have also outlined their campaign agendas. The All India Students’ Association (AISA) is focusing its social media messaging on continuity, highlighting how those who protested at Jantar Mantar are now fighting for campus-level issues. Akshat, a prospective AISA candidate, has been campaigning for the provision of metro concession passes and the rollback of the National Education Policy (NEP).
Additionally, the Aam Aadmi Party’s relaunched student wing, the Association of Students for Alternative Politics (ASAP), has announced its prospective candidates. The lineup includes a visually-impaired student representing peers with disabilities who face accessibility barriers across university colleges.
