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The 2024 Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) elections concluded with a split victory, highlighting the enduring rivalry between the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) and the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). NSUI secured the President and Joint Secretary positions, while ABVP retained control of the Vice President and Secretary posts. This outcome underscores the continued competitiveness of student politics within Delhi University, a landscape shaped by historical power dynamics and evolving student concerns. The election results, announced on November 25th, followed a delay in vote counting due to a Delhi High Court directive regarding allegations of defacement during the campaign period. The eventual turnout, exceeding 51,000 votes out of 1.45 lakh eligible voters, reflects significant student engagement in the electoral process, despite the postponement.
The presidential race saw a decisive victory for NSUI's Rounak Khatri, who outperformed ABVP's Rishabh Chaudhary by over 1,300 votes. This win marks a significant achievement for NSUI, which has frequently challenged ABVP's dominance in past elections. The Vice President position, however, remained firmly in ABVP's grasp with Bhanu Pratap Singh securing a substantial number of votes. This split victory mirrors the broader political landscape of the elections, characterized by a close contest and a clear division of power between the two major contenders. The success of ABVP in retaining the Secretary and Vice President posts demonstrates the continued strength of their organizational network and campaign strategies within the university.
The election also involved several other key races. For the Secretary position, Mitravinda Karanwal of ABVP won against NSUI's Namrata Jeph Meena and Anamika K. from SFI (Students' Federation of India). The Joint Secretary contest saw NSUI's Lokesh Choudhary triumphing over ABVP's Aman Kapasia and SFI's Sneha Aggarwal. The participation of candidates from AISA (All India Students' Association) in the presidential and vice-presidential races, representing the Left alliance, indicates a consistent presence of diverse political ideologies within DUSU elections. While they didn't secure a significant victory, their participation emphasizes the multi-faceted nature of student political engagement.
The manifestos of both NSUI and ABVP reflected their distinct political agendas and priorities. NSUI focused on affordability and accessibility in education, promising measures such as reversing fee hikes, opposing privatization, providing improved campus infrastructure (including 24/7 library access and free Wi-Fi), and establishing a centralized placement cell. They also emphasized creating a more inclusive and supportive campus environment through initiatives like gender sensitization workshops and mental health support programs. ABVP, on the other hand, highlighted a ‘One Course, One Fee’ structure for postgraduate students, improved safety measures (including women's hostels and sanitary napkin vending machines), and commitment to implementing the National Education Policy (NEP). Both parties addressed concerns about scholarships, student welfare, and campus infrastructure improvements, though their approaches and specific policy proposals differed significantly.
The historical context of DUSU elections is crucial for understanding the significance of the 2024 results. ABVP has historically held considerable sway within the university, achieving significant victories in several previous elections, including winning all four key posts in 2015. While ABVP continued its success in 2016, 2018, 2019, and 2023, NSUI's performance in 2017 and the 2024 results signal a shift in the balance of power. The fluctuating voter turnout across the years – ranging from 36.90% in 2016 to 43.80% in 2018 – demonstrates the dynamism of student political participation in Delhi University and the ongoing evolution of student concerns and priorities. The 2024 election, characterized by its competitiveness and the relatively high voter turnout, suggests a renewed engagement in student governance, making this election cycle a defining moment in the ongoing power struggle within DUSU.
The results of the 2024 DUSU elections reveal a significant development in the student political landscape of Delhi University. The split victory signifies neither a complete triumph for either NSUI or ABVP, highlighting the complex dynamics and competing agendas at play. The election also underscores the importance of student engagement in campus governance and the role of student unions in advocating for students' welfare and raising critical issues facing the educational environment. The success of NSUI in winning the President’s post, while ABVP retained control of other key positions, reflects the evolving nature of student politics at Delhi University and the dynamic interplay of competing ideologies and priorities.