Ahead of Delhi varsity polls, parties release manifestos

As the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections draw near, three major student organisations — AISA-SFI, NSUI, and ABVP — have released their respective manifestos on Saturday.

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The AISA-SFI alliance, campaigning on a platform cantered around accessible public education and social justice, unveiled their manifesto, which includes addressing fee hikes, ensuring gender justice, constructing new hostels and improving campus safety.

Saavy Gupta, AISA-SFI’s presidential candidate, emphasised the need for gender justice and stronger internal complaints committees (ICCs) across colleges, citing systemic violence and harassment against women. “The culture of harassment and impunity needs to end!” she said.

Vice-presidential candidate Ayush Mondal said there was a need for an inclusive public education for marginalised students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Former NSUI national president Amrita Dhawan introduced the panel, which includes Ronak Khatri for president, Yash Nandal for vice-president, Namrata Jeph Meena for secretary, and Lokesh Choudhary for joint secretary. NSUI national president Varun Choudhary said “Our manifesto reflects a comprehensive approach to student welfare.”

The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) released an 11-point manifesto titled “My DU, My Manifesto,” highlighting its track record of improving campus infrastructure and promoting women’s safety. The manifesto addresses issues such as the admission process, curriculum reform, and employment-oriented education. The party aims to continue its work with initiatives like U-Special buses, new women’s hostels, and student activity centres.

ABVP’s presidential candidate Rishabh Chaudhary highlighted their commitment to infrastructural development and the introduction of new policies such as the “One Course, One Fee” structure for postgraduate students. “ABVP’s strong and capable leadership has earned the trust of students and we have consistently worked in their interest,” Chaudhary said.

Vice-presidential candidate Bhanu Pratap Singh focused on skill development and internships, promising a more robust academic and professional framework.