The stage is set for a high-stakes elections at Delhi University with a total of 21 candidates for the top posts of the Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) in fray.
The DUSU elections are scheduled for Thursday, September 18, with more than 2.75 lakh students eligible to vote in one of the country’s largest student elections. The results will determine the leadership of the students’ body for the year ahead.
The administration has rolled out strict arrangements to ensure smooth polling. According to reports, “more than 600 police personnel will be stationed across the campus. Out of these, 160 officers will use body-worn cameras.” Along with this, CCTV surveillance and drones will be used to monitor campus activity during polling.
Who are contesting?
The presidential race has emerged as a three-cornered contest. The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), linked to the RSS, the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), supported by the Congress, and the SFI-AISA alliance, backed by Left groups, are the primary rivals. Each of them has pledged reforms, inclusivity, and student welfare in their manifestos.
In the presidential race, NSUI has fielded Joslyn Nandita Choudhary, a postgraduate student in Buddhist Studies. Anjali, representing the SFI-AISA alliance, is a student of Indraprastha College for Women. ABVP’s candidate is Aryan Maan, who is pursuing an MA in Library Science.
Vehicle advisory
Students and residents should expect restrictions in and around North Campus. The advisory notes that “parking is allowed only at Gate No. 1 with authorised University stickers, while Gate No. 4 will remain closed on both days.” On polling day, Chhatra Marg, Probyn Road, and University Road will face restrictions, while “G.C. Narang Marg and Cavalry Lane will remain completely closed” during counting on September 19.
Who can vote?
The eligibility criteria have been clearly defined. “Only students admitted to DU colleges or departments before September 9, 2025 (5 pm) are eligible voters.” First-year students may vote with a valid fee receipt along with a government-issued ID such as Aadhaar, Voter ID, PAN, or Driving License if their college card is not yet available. Second- and third-year students must present their valid college identity card.
Timings
As per the official notification, polling will be conducted in two slots. “Voting for day classes will be conducted from 8:30 am to 1 pm, while evening classes will vote between 3 pm and 7:30 pm.” The counting of votes will take place the next day, Friday, September 19.
Observers note that the DUSU elections often reflect wider trends in student politics. With the highest-ever number of students eligible to cast their ballot and strong female contenders for the president’s post after nearly two decades, this year’s contest is attracting attention both within Delhi University and at the national political level.
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