Delhi University can be separated from politics but politics cannot be separated from Delhi University! Let’s understand the statement by analysing the DUSU Elections trends.
The University of Delhi boasts a rich history of student political engagement dating back to 1954. The Delhi University Student Union, or DUSU, plays a pivotal role in fostering a robust political culture and promoting open debates on campus.
Established in 1924, DUSU has been instrumental in nurturing leaders who have gone on to occupy prominent positions within India’s national political parties. The DUSU we are familiar with today has evolved over the years, shaped by power struggles, setbacks, and transformative moments.
How significant have these changes been? Let’s delve deep into the DUSU Elections trends.
List of Prominent Political Parties in DUSU Election
Delhi University Elections usually involve several student parties and groups that campaign to win seats in the student body. Some of the major DU political parties that have historically participated and shaped DUSU Elections trends include:
- Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP)
The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) is one of India’s major DU political parties and the student wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), which is a right-wing Hindu nationalist organisation.
- National Students’ Union of India (NSUI)
The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) is the student wing of the Indian National Congress party, one of the major DU political parties in India.
- All India Students Association (AISA)
The All India Students Association (AISA) is a left-wing student organisation in India that is associated with the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation (CPI-ML Liberation).
- Students Federation of India (SFI)
The Students’ Federation of India (SFI) is a left-wing student organisation in India, and it is closely associated with the Communist Party of India (Marxist) or CPI(M).
- Chhatra Yuva Sangharsh Samiti (CYSS)
Chhatra Yuva Sangharsh Samiti (CYSS) is the student wing of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), a political party that emerged in India with a focus on anti-corruption and good governance. CYSS was established in 2014 to engage with students and young people and promote the party’s principles among the youth.
DUSU President List Elected in Past 10 years
DUSU Elected Office Bearers for the last 10 years
| Duration | President | Student Organisation | Vice President | Student Organisation |
| 2019-20 | Akshit Dahiya | ABVP | Pradeep Tanwar | ABVP |
| 2018-19 | Ankiv Baisoya | ABVP | Shakti Singh | ABVP |
| 2017-18 | Rocky Tuseed | NSUI | Kunal Sehrawat | NSUI |
| 2016-17 | Amit Tanwar | ABVP | Priyanka Chabri | ABVP |
| 2015-16 | Satender Awana | ABVP | Sunny Dedha | ABVP |
| 2014-15 | Mohit Nagar | ABVP | Parvesh Malik | ABVP |
| 2013-14 | Aman Awana | ABVP | Utkarsh Chaudhary | ABVP |
| 2012-13 | Arun Hooda | NSUI | Varun Khari | NSUI |
| 2011-12 | Ajay Chhikara | NSUI | Vikas Choudhary | ABVP |
| 2010-11 | Jitender Chaudhary | ABVP | Neetu Dabas | ABVP |
Are DUSU Youth Politics Regressive?
Recent DUSU Elections trends indicate that the issues surrounding union elections and campus politics delve deeper than the common practice of distributing movie tickets and free canteen food in exchange for votes.
But there are several other issues highlighted in DUSU Elections trends that are not much talked about.
Gender Inequality: A Much Hidden Issue in DUSU Election
DUSU Elections trends have shown that over the past seven years, barring Priyanka Chhawri (DUSU Vice President 2016-2017), male candidates have consistently monopolised the positions of President and Vice President, while female candidates have been relegated to the roles of General and Joint Secretary.
This skewed representation is primarily attributed to political parties nominating only one token female candidate on average each year. It is noteworthy that out of the 22 women’s colleges within the University of Delhi, only five are currently affiliated with DUSU.
“Similarly to the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies, there is no provision for women’s reservation in college unions.”
Consequently, crucial student issues like sexual harassment and the demand for changes in hostel curfew timings often remain absent from many party manifestos. The underrepresentation of women in student politics may be partially attributed to the perception that campus politics is unsafe for female students, as exemplified by Shehla Rashid, a student activist from Jawaharlal Nehru University, who has faced threats of violence on multiple occasions.
However, instances like these should prompt us to question why our political system is not a secure space for women, rather than accepting it as an immutable reality. If we aspire to achieve greater female representation in local, state, and national government, it is crucial to establish gender balance within student unions.
Significantly, political parties are beginning to recognize this need. The National Students Union of India (NSUI), a Congress-affiliated party, has nominated Chetna Tyagi as their first female presidential candidate in 11 years. She is joined by Damini Kain, representing the left-leaning All India Students’ Association (AISA).
LGBTQ+ Representation: Is Pride Just For Name Sake?
On the 6th of September, India celebrated the one-year anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality, marking a significant milestone for LGBTQ+ rights in the country. However, the issue of queer rights and representation in academic discourse has sparked a heated debate at Delhi University.
In July 2019, the right-leaning Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) organised protests against amendments to the syllabus in various courses. Among their concerns was the inclusion of a new course titled ‘Interrogating Queerness.’
This stance appears contradictory to ABVP’s 2019 election manifesto, where they pledged to establish a Gender Sensitization and Complaints Committee under DUSU (Delhi University Students’ Union) to promote inclusivity for the LGBTQ+ community within DU.
Similarly, the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) has also addressed LGBTQ+ issues in their manifesto, advocating for reserved hostel accommodations, sensitization programs, and queer-affirmative counsellors.
However, questions arise regarding the feasibility of implementing hostel reservations for LGBTQ+ students. Would it necessitate official government certificates as proof of queer identity, akin to reservations for SC/ST, OBC, EWS, etc.? Additionally, a significant portion of LGBTQ+ students remain closeted due to fears of homelessness and violence if they come out to their families.
In light of these challenges, it’s not surprising that no political party nominated an openly gay or transgender student for elections in 2019. The road to LGBTQ+ representation and acceptance in academic settings and broader society remains a complex and evolving journey.
Caste And Tribal Representation: No Equal Opportunity Available
Delhi University, particularly North Campus, has been a platform for intense discussions on caste and reservations. Numerous graffiti expressing sentiments like ‘Reservation Spoils’ can be found near the campus. These protests also encompassed objections to the ‘Literature and Caste’ paper.
Similarly, like national politics, DUSU parties have engaged in caste-based and vote-bank politics. In the 2018 elections, there was a notable surge in candidates from the Jat and Gujjar castes. In the 2019 elections, NSUI nominated Ankit Bharti, a Dalit student, for the Vice President position.
Noel Benney, a member of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), emphasizes the need to challenge the core ideology of the major organizations participating in DUSU elections to alter the Brahmanical and hypermasculine nature of these elections.
He also highlights the absence of representation from North Eastern students in the union and suggests that the issue of exclusion should be acknowledged and addressed by all, including the left-wing organizations in DU.
Lack of Environmental Awareness: Rising Trend of Displaying
During the election season at Delhi University, the campus and its surroundings are inundated with promotional materials. These materials can be found on college notification boards, the ‘Wall of Democracy,’ luxury SUVs, billboards, and roads leading to the nearest metro station, which are covered in election pamphlets.
The names of candidates from various major parties are prominently displayed, making it impossible to overlook them. College students are almost certain to receive pamphlets at the metro station exit, on their way to college, and at the college gate. Additionally, pamphlets are distributed in lecture halls as representatives from different parties campaign.
Even residents of PG accommodations in areas like Kamla Nagar, Old Gupta Colony, Malka Ganj, etc., may have party members visiting in the evening, offering chocolates with promotional cards or attached pamphlets.
Unfortunately, littering and the defacement of public property are so prevalent in the days leading up to the elections that many people overlook these issues. However, it is crucial for students to recognize that we are facing a climate crisis.
As deforestation rates rise, it is imperative to hold political parties accountable for their actions and remind them that global warming and climate change transcend political and ideological boundaries.
What’s concerning is the absence of eco-friendly campaigns and the general disregard for the environment. Indian students are increasingly becoming aware of the climate crisis, and many are taking positive steps to address it. It is equally important for student unions to acknowledge these concerns as significant and adjust their campaign strategies accordingly.
Which Political Parties are Active in Various Colleges of Delhi University?
DUSU Elections trends of the colleges where ABVP members/supported candidates occupy key positions:
- Ramjas College
- Bhagini Nivedita College
- PGDAV College (evening)
- Sri Venkateswara College
- Shyamlal College (evening)
- Sri Aurobindo College
- Deshbandhu College
DUSU Elections trends of the colleges where NSUI members/supported candidates occupy key positions:
- Hindu College
- Hansraj College
- Shri Ram College of Commerce
- Kirori Mal College
- SGTB Khalsa College
- Miranda House
- Atma Ram Sanatan Dharm College
- Motilal Nehru College
- Aryabhatta College
- Dyal Singh College
- Dyal Singh College (Evening)
- Ramanujan College
- Shaheed Bhagat Singh College
- College of Vocational Studies
- Shivaji College
- Shyama Prasad Mukherji College
- Swami Shradhanand College
- Aditi Mahavidyalaya
- Laxmi Bai College
- Zakir Husain Delhi College
- Zakir Husain Delhi College (Evening)
- Shyamlal College (Morning)
Upcoming DUSU Elections Trends
In the year 2023, DUSU Elections are held after 4 years due to COVID pandemic. The campus has been surrounded by the hustle and bustle of various student members. The sound of dhol has covered the campus in its vibrant theme.
There is a huge hope for improvement in the campus policies with the onboarding of the new student authority. Students and teachers look forward to having better management and policy implementation in day-to-day activities.
