Delhi University election: Over 1.5 lakh students cast vote amid campus clashes

The Delhi University’s 30th DUSU (Delhi University Students’ Union) elections saw participation of over 1.55 lakh students in the poll process on the campuses here on Thursday. Voting was held at 195 polling booths across 52 centres, with morning sessions running from 8.30 am to 1 pm at 36 colleges and departments, and evening sessions beginning at 3 pm in eight colleges.

By late afternoon, electronic voting machines (EVMs) from 43 polling stations were delivered at the counting centre, with a total of 133,412 votes recorded. Data for 52,635 votes had been received so far. This brings the voter turnout to roughly 39.45 per cent.

Voting conducted smoothly

The Chief Election Officer of the DUSU, Prof Raj Kishore Sharma, said the overall polling process was peaceful. “Observers continuously monitored all polling centres. All arrangements, including CCTV coverage, were in place. Preparations for the counting of votes in the multipurpose hall are complete,” he said.

Security was maintained throughout the day with more than 600 police personnel deployed on the campuses, including some wearing body cameras. Drones and CCTV cameras were used to monitor the campuses. After voting, the EVMs were safely stored in the multipurpose hall of the University Sports Complex.

Political tensions surface

The day, however, was not without controversy. The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) alleged that the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) tampered with the EVMs, claiming blue ink markings were found next to ABVP candidates’ names at Hansraj and Kirori Mal Colleges. The ABVP dismissed the accusations as “baseless and desperate”, asserting confidence in winning all the four posts of the DUSU.

Tensions escalated at Kirori Mal College around 1.30 pm, when NSUI president Ronak Khatri reportedly entered the campus with around 40 outsiders.

Security personnel tried to stop the group, but clashes broke out when they forced their entry on the college campus. “There was a lot of shouting and pushing. People looked nervous, and the atmosphere suddenly became very tense,” recalled Riya Sharma, a second-year student at Kirori Mal College.

Students share experience

Amid tensions, many students focused on casting their vote and taking part in the election process. Rohit Yadav, a second-year student at Ramjas College, said, “I came with friends and watched how seriously everyone takes these elections. It’s more than just voting — it’s about being part of something bigger on the campus.”

Counting of votes on Friday

With the poll process wrapped up, all eyes now on the counting of votes, which is scheduled to begin at 8 am on Friday at the Multipurpose Hall in the University Sports Stadium, North Campus. The results will determine the leadership of one of India’s most politically active student unions for the year ahead.