New Delhi: Tensions escalated at Delhi University’s North Campus on Wednesday night ahead of the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections, after clashes were reported between members associated with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI). Two students were injured in the violence, while vehicles parked on campus were also vandalised.
Police said the situation is currently under control and additional personnel have been deployed across the campus. A flag march was also conducted following the clashes. Campaigning for the DUSU elections ended on September 16, with polling scheduled for September 18 and counting on September 19.
Videos that emerged before the clashes showed unidentified individuals carrying sticks in the crowd. However, their identities and organisational affiliations have not been confirmed.
The ABVP alleged that one of its members was attacked outside Law Centre-1 (LC-1) with an alleged intent to kill. The organisation claimed that individuals associated with the Congress, Indian Youth Congress (IYC) and NSUI were involved. ABVP also alleged that NSUI activists targeted the residence of its members at Hari Mandir while members were holding a meeting, including female students. The organisation said one alleged attacker was apprehended and handed over to police.
ABVP further raised questions over the alleged involvement of non-student political activists in the election campaign and claimed that classroom campaigning and the use of money were influencing the electoral process. It called for an impartial investigation into the incidents.
NSUI, meanwhile, alleged that an NSUI tribal student member was attacked outside Motilal Nehru College by individuals associated with ABVP. The organisation demanded an investigation and action against those responsible.
Separately, tensions were reported at Motilal Nehru College (Evening) following an alleged assault on a faculty member. Teachers said a faculty member was seriously injured and taken for treatment. Faculty members demanded action, indicated that an FIR would be filed and threatened to boycott election-related duties. The student’s organisational affiliation was not established in the information available.
The clashes come amid wider concerns over alleged violations of DUSU election rules. The Delhi High Court on September 17 agreed to urgently hear a petition alleging violations of the Lyngdoh Committee recommendations, anti-defamation guidelines and previous court directions. The petition cited alleged use of outsiders, large campaign groups, vehicle convoys, rallies, roadshows, traffic obstruction, printed campaign material and allegations concerning money and muscle power.
DUSU elections are being contested for four posts, President, Vice President, Secretary and Joint Secretary. Voting will take place across participating colleges on September 18, with results due on September 19.
