Student parties flout norms openly

The second day of campaigning for Delhi University Students Union elections saw the two major student parties flouting the code of conduct.

The second day of campaigning for Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) elections saw the two major student parties flouting the code of conduct.

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Two First Information Reports (FIR) were filed against candidates of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) for putting up printed posters.

“Two FIRs have been filed against ABVP candidates,” confirmed Niharika Sharma, state general secretary, ABVP.

Under the Bengal Act, candidates contesting DUSU elections cannot use printed posters. “The ABVP posters were printed before the code of conduct was implemented. Even the NSUI has put posters all over the city with pictures of their candidates and their ballot numbers,” said Niharika.

Supporters of both National Students Union of India (NSUI) and ABVP were seen handing out printed posters of candidates to students in North campus on Friday.

“They are openly violating the election code of conduct. We saw this during our campaigning in North Campus yesterday and the South Campus today,” said Rohit, Secretary, Delhi State Committee, Students Federation of India (SFI).

“The code of conduct specifically says printed leaflets are not allowed for canvassing but the NSUI and ABVP have been distributing printed leaflets with their panel and ballot numbers,” said Rohit.

In contrast, SFI, which has joined hands with Ambedkar Students’ Organisation of India (ASOI) to fight the DUSU polls, has brought out a hand-written leaflet.

“We are going to submit a complaint letter tomorrow to the Grievance Redressal Cell demanding the cancellation of their candidature,” said Rohit.

Although Chief Election Officer Gurmeet Singh did not receive any complaints on Friday, many students came to the office of Dean Students Welfare complaining about the flouting of rules.

“If there is a code of conduct then all parties should adhere to it,” said Ajvit Roy, a student who claimed he was not affiliated to any party.

NSUI dismissed the claim that it has printed posters. “Opposition is trying to defame our candidates. We are making hand made posters with ballot numbers,” Dhawan said.