Who is Leading the DUSU Polls: ABVP Takes Early Advantage?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- ABVP candidates are leading in key positions.
- Counting began at 8 a.m. with results expected later.
- Security measures included over 600 police personnel.
- Allegations of violence have surfaced during the election process.
- The Delhi High Court has banned victory rallies.
New Delhi, Sep 19 (NationPress) The counting process for the Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) elections 2025 commenced on Friday at the Multipurpose Hall located within the University Sports Stadium of North Campus.
Following the initial round of counting, ABVP's presidential candidate, Aryan Maan, is currently in the lead with 1,196 votes. Additionally, ABVP's candidate for the role of DUSU secretary, Kunal Chaudhary, is also ahead with 1,410 votes, while their Joint Secretary candidate, Deepika Jha, has garnered 1,315 votes.
On the other hand, NSUI's vice presidential candidate, Rahul Jhansla, is leading with an impressive 1,606 votes.
The vote counting began at 8 a.m., with results anticipated later today.
To ensure a secure and smooth election process, over 600 police personnel, including 160 officers, have been deployed along with CCTV surveillance.
The DUSU elections occurred on Thursday over two phases, achieving a voter turnout of 39.45 percent. Voting took place across 52 centers and 195 booths.
A total of 21 candidates are competing for four primary positions within the student union: president, vice-president, secretary, and joint secretary.
Notably, nine candidates are contending solely for the President's position, while twelve are vying for the other roles.
The contest is primarily between the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and the National Students Union of India (NSUI), backed by Congress, with the Left alliance (AISA-SFI) also playing a significant role.
Aryan Maan from ABVP, Joslyn Nandita Choudhary from NSUI, and Anjali from the SFI-AISA alliance are all in contention for the DUSU presidency. The electoral campaign has focused on issues such as affordable travel, fee hikes, and improved student facilities.
However, allegations of violence and misconduct have overshadowed the elections.
The ABVP has accused DUSU President and NSUI leader Raunak Khatri of involvement in a scuffle at North Campus.
ABVP Delhi State Secretary Sarthak Sharma claimed that Khatri's supporters assaulted a female student outside Kirori Mal College, resulting in injuries. Both ABVP and NSUI assert they will claim victory.
It is crucial to note that the Delhi High Court has imposed a ban on any victory rallies by the successful candidates, directing the Delhi Police, university authorities, and local administration to implement strict measures to avert any incidents.