The Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections began on Thursday, September 18, with thousands of students casting their votes. The voting is being held in two phases: from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm for day classes, and from 3:00 pm to 7:30 pm for evening classes.
The results will be declared on September 19.
Security Arrangements Tightened
To ensure peaceful polling, the Delhi Police has deployed more than 600 personnel across the university campus. Of these, 160 officers are equipped with body cameras. Drones and CCTV cameras are also being used for live monitoring, reported PTI.
Officials stated that these measures are designed to prevent disruptions and ensure a smooth voting process.
Who Are the Main Candidates?
The fight this year is between three key student groups: the RSS-backed ABVP, the Congress-supported NSUI, and the Left-backed SFI-AISA alliance.
Joslyn Nandita Choudhary (NSUI): Postgraduate student of Buddhist Studies. Campaigns for hostel shortages, campus safety, and menstrual leave.
Anjali (SFI–AISA): Student of Indraprastha College for Women. Campaigns for gender sensitisation, resistance to fee hikes, and grievance redressal.
Aryan Maan (ABVP): From the Department of Library Science, Bahadurgarh. Campaigns for subsidised metro passes, free Wi-Fi, accessibility audits, and better sports facilities.
For the first time in nearly 20 years, women candidates are taking the lead in the DUSU polls.
Who Can Vote?
This year, about 2.8 lakh students are eligible to vote, compared to 2.25 lakh in the last elections. The increase is due to the inclusion of fourth-year students under the new four-year undergraduate programme.
The voting rules are: First-year students can vote with a valid fee receipt plus a government-issued ID like Aadhaar, Voter ID, PAN, or Driving License if college IDs are not issued.
Second- and third-year students must carry valid college ID cards.
Only students admitted before September 9, 2025, 5 pm are eligible to vote.
Why These Elections Matter
The DUSU elections are seen as a stepping stone to national politics. Many leaders, including the late Arun Jaitley, Ajay Maken, Alka Lamba, and Delhi chief minister Rekha Gupta, have held DUSU positions in the past.
For students, however, the key issues remain practical — affordable hostels, safer campuses, better transport, and more inclusive policies.
Traffic and Campus Restrictions
To manage crowds during polling and counting days, Delhi University has issued special movement rules:
Parking is allowed only at Gate No. 1 with valid university stickers.
Gate No. 4 will remain closed on both days.
Traffic restrictions are in place on Chhatra Marg, Probyn Road, and University Road during voting.
On September 19, G.C. Narang Marg and Cavalry Lane will remain fully closed.
No Victory Processions Allowed
The Delhi High Court has barred candidates and student groups from holding victory processions after the results. It has asked Delhi Police, DU officials, and the administration to ensure there are no incidents.
For the first time in years, campus and hostel walls are free from posters and graffiti. The university has strictly enforced the Lyngdoh Committee’s anti-defacement rules.
DUSU Chief Election Officer Raj Kishore Sharma told PTI: “We are happy that this year no defacement is visible in the campuses, which used to be our major problem.”
READ MORE: Who is Joslin Nandita Chaudhary? NSUI’s DUSU 2025 Candidate Facing Religion Change Allegations
