DUSU elections just an eyewash, say students

Their manifestoes are full of promises to bring about changes for the better. But, even the few students who came out to vote for the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) election did not seem convinced by the candidates’ pledges .

Their manifestoes are full of promises to bring about changes for the better. But, even the few students who came out to vote for the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) election did not seem convinced by the candidates’ pledges .

HT Image

Ajay Chikara, the presidential candidate from the National Student’s Union Of India (NSUI), focused on reducing the hostel, college tuition and examination fees for students. He also promised a reduction in the fares of buses plying within the University campus.

At the same time, Neha Singh, the presidential candidate from the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), promised women greater safety and protection against eve teasers.

However, several students abstained from voting, claiming that these elections were an eyewash, which did not focus on the university’s betterment.

“These are just empty promises to tempt students into voting for them. By the end of two months these promises are forgotten. The only promise they live up to is the parties that they throw and the fancy outstation trips they organise. This is why we lay more importance on our college elections and not DUSU,” said Prachi Pandey, student, Miranda House college.

“We need better infrastructure in some of the colleges, libraries need improvement, a fixed rate for rickshawpullers needs to be introduced and several such issues need to be looked into. Candidates forget promises within a month,” said Ritesh Verma (name changed), a student of Hindu College, who refused to cast his vote.

However, denying all claims made by students, members of both parties asserted that all promises by the candidates made as per the manifesto were kept. “Promises are always delivered, which is why we garner the kind of support we do every year,” said Rehaan Khan, a member of NSUI.

ABVP’s Jitendra Chaudhary won the 2010 DUSU elections, with his party bagging three seats, while NSUI got one seat. The results this year will be declared at 12pm on Saturday.