Did ABVP and NSUI Rig the DUSU Elections?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- ABVP and NSUI are in a heated dispute over election integrity.
- Violence and rigging allegations are overshadowing the DUSU elections.
- Over 275,000 students from 50 colleges are participating in the voting.
- Polling occurs in two shifts, with results expected soon.
- Both sides are claiming victory amidst the chaos.
New Delhi, Sep 18 (NationPress) The voting process for the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections took place on Thursday, but the day was overshadowed by allegations of violence and rigging. Both major student organizations, ABVP and NSUI, have leveled accusations against each other regarding electoral misconduct.
Reports indicated minor confrontations and pushing incidents at various polling locations on the North Campus.
The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) accused the current DUSU President and NSUI leader Raunak Khatri of being involved in a confrontation that reportedly resulted in a student injury on the North Campus.
ABVP's Delhi State Secretary Sarthak Sharma claimed that Khatri’s supporters assaulted a student outside Kirori Mal College, which caused her to fall and sustain injuries.
The ABVP has also asserted that it is on track to win all four union positions, dismissing the NSUI’s allegations as mere panic responses.
Sharma stated, "Just as the Congress blames EVMs for its defeats in every election, the NSUI is adopting the same approach."
ABVP National General Secretary Virendra Solanki added that NSUI is merely vying for third place and is resorting to "unfounded accusations."
Conversely, the NSUI has called for the disqualification of ABVP’s presidential candidate, alleging manipulation and rigging.
NSUI National President Varun Chaudhary claimed that reports of malpractice had emerged from Kirori Mal College, Hindu College, and Hansraj College.
Describing the incidents as attempts to undermine democracy, he stated: "Such undemocratic actions will not be accepted. Students will express their disapproval of ABVP’s dishonesty through their votes."
The polling process is ongoing in two shifts for over 275,000 eligible students from more than 50 colleges in Delhi University. The first phase commenced at 8:30 a.m. for morning colleges, while evening college students will vote in the second shift.
Voting will conclude at 7:30 p.m. Counting is set to begin at 9 a.m. on Friday, with results anticipated by late evening.