A red blot in poll campaigning

Despite the ban by Lyngdoh Commission on use of printed posters and vehicles in students’ elections.The DU students have used generously printed posters and vehicles in DUSU elections, reports HT Correspondent.

Lyngdoh Commission recommended ban on use of printed posters and vehicles in students’ elections. They have been, however, generously used during campaigning by Delhi University student leaders for student union polls.

HT Image

On Wednesday, there was more in store. NSUI candidates Sonia Sapra and Amit Choudhary stepped out in a red Mercedes convertible for campaigning. And a cavalcade of MUVs that were plastered with printed posters followed the car.

Neither of the candidates was available for comment. The NSUI was also at a loss to offer any explanation.

“It was not their car. A friend of Amit owns the car and he insisted on giving them a short ride,” said Amrita Bahri, DUSU president and NSUI member.

The fact remains that candidates are not supposed to use vehicles, either hired or owned for canvassing.

Meanwhile, at least 11 candidates affiliated to various political parties were sent show cause notices on Saturday when complaints were filed against them for the use of printed posters and pamphlets.

“The candidates have replied and we have sent the replies for legal opinion,” said Chief Election Officer Gurmeet Singh.

“If we receive any complaint in writing we will investigate it. Action can be taken even after the election is over,” Singh said.

Incidentally, members of the Students for Social Justice (SSJ), an alliance of the SFI-ASOI, on Wednesday demonstrated against candidates using printed matter for elections.

“We submitted a letter of complaint on August 30 against the ABVP-NSUI for gross violation of the code of conduct in DUSU elections,” said Rohit, secretary of the Delhi State Committee of SFI.

“They have pasted posters all over Delhi instead of the designated spaces,” he said.