Giant-slayers gear up for DUSU polls

Student unions with a ‘lesser-known presence’ in the campus have an ideal opportunity to prove their worth in the upcoming elections.

Student unions with a ‘lesser-known presence’ in the campus have an ideal opportunity to prove their worth in the upcoming elections.

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The High court on Tuesday upheld the university’s decision to suspend five candidates— from heavyweight parties Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and the National Students Union of India (NSUI)—from DU polls.

NSUI is planning to approach the Supreme Court, said Anand Pandey, National General Secretary, NSUI.

The upcoming elections in the campus, known for its bitter ‘bi-party’ battle is now likely to see a greater presence of smaller student unions like Students Federation of India (SFI) and All India Students Association (AISA).

“The court’s decision will definitely help the elections to become less despotic,” said AISA’s Chief Secretary (Delhi), Ranjan Pandey.

“The two student unions in question have always extended their lead over us, using glamour and money power. It’s sweet justice for all the violations they committed.”

AISA received the third highest votes in last year’s polls.

Agrees Robert Rehman of SFI. “This year’s election is going to have a much broader spectrum than ever. Although we disagree with some of the recommendation of the Lyngdoh committee, the dismissal of these candidates will help our chances in the polls.”

NSUI and ABVP are unlikely to field dummy candidates, giving a clear path to the other contesting parties.

“It (court’s decision) is a setback. But we won’t field dummy candidates as we do not have their background reports,” said Bharat Kumar of NSUI.