From trust to voice: DUSU’s new leaders commit to student welfare

In an exclusive interview with 'The Tribune', newly elected Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) president Aryan Maan and vice president Rahul Jhansla Yadav have pledged to make the students’ body more active and accessible, even as they represent rival organisations.

Maan attributes the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad’s (ABVP) rise to “Gen Z’s trust in its nationalism and groundwork,” while Yadav of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) insists his party would continue to amplify student voices despite the electoral setback in the recent university polls.

“Today’s Gen Z trusts ABVP because it always works on the ground, whether elections are on or not,” said Maan, a national-level football player who joined DU in 2021. He recalled his entry into student politics began when ABVP addressed problems related to sports facilities. “ABVP works 365 days a year. It feels like a family and has shaped my leadership,” he added.

Yadav, however, alleged irregularities in this year’s elections. “There were many instances of 'vote chori'. In Ramjas, voting was halted for an hour and in Hansraj, students were told the EVMs were not working. Such incidents clearly affected the results,” he said. He added, “Even without winning seats, we will keep raising students’ voices. For us, it is not just about posts; it is about working for welfare.”

Both leaders outlined their priorities for student welfare. Maan highlighted Wi-Fi access in every college, mental health counselling, cultural activities and improved sports infrastructure. Yadav focused on 12 days of menstrual leave per semester, better hostel facilities, action against fee hikes and enhanced hygiene and safety measures.

They also spoke of making DUSU more approachable. Maan said, “From morning till evening, I sit in the DUSU office. The doors are always open for students.” Yadav revealed plans for a legal cell, environment cell, cultural cell, women empowerment cell, regional support groups and an online grievance redressal system.

Both leaders stressed that the students’ mandate is to work beyond politics. Maan highlighted DU’s legacy in grooming national leaders, while Yadav underscored NSUI’s relevance beyond electoral wins.