Delhi BJP President Harsh Malhotra on Friday, 18 September 2026, expressed strong confidence that the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) would win all four central panel seats in the ongoing Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) elections, as voting got underway across university campuses amid tight security.

Malhotra's Visit and Remarks

Malhotra made the prediction during a visit to Vivekananda College in Shahdara district, where he described the RSS-affiliated student body as rooted in nationalist ideology. 'The belief that everything must be done in service of the nation — and ABVP operates upon this core conviction,' he said, adding that the organisation's guiding philosophy is 'Nation First.'

'I firmly believe that this time as well, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad will emerge victorious on all four central panel seats,' Malhotra stated. His remarks were echoed by DUSU's incumbent President Aryan Maan, who separately expressed confidence in an ABVP sweep.

Polling and Security Arrangements

Voting began on Friday under the supervision of the Delhi Police, with North District Police and additional outside forces deployed to ensure smooth traffic flow and compliance with election rules. The tight security reflects the high-stakes nature of a student election that draws national political attention each year.

Key Contests and Candidates

The election is primarily a two-way contest between the ABVP, the student wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and the National Students' Union of India (NSUI), affiliated with the Indian National Congress. For the top post of DUSU President, ABVP's Yash Dabas is pitted against NSUI's Vijay Shankar Meena, with a total of 25 candidates contesting that seat alone. The Vice President's post draws 20 candidates, Secretary sees 24 in the fray, and 19 candidates are contesting for Joint Secretary. Results are scheduled to be declared on Saturday, 19 September 2026.

Student Issues in the Backdrop

The DUSU 2026 elections are unfolding against a charged backdrop of student grievances. A Gen Z protest held at Jantar Mantar in July centred on alleged examination irregularities, while the recent collapse of a paying guest (PG) building in Satya Niketan in south Delhi has intensified concerns over the availability and safety of student accommodation in the capital. These issues have added urgency and ideological weight to what might otherwise be a routine campus election. Notably, whichever organisation wins the union will face immediate pressure to take concrete positions on both examination reform and housing safety — giving this year's result stakes beyond the symbolic.