NSUI unveils dual manifesto for DU poll, women’s rights core agenda

The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) has launched a two-part manifesto for the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections, placing women’s rights and student welfare at the heart of its 2025 campaign.

NSUI released its main manifesto under the theme “Hum Badlenge” along with a separate women’s manifesto — a first-of-its-kind step in DU student politics. The event saw the presence of senior Congress and NSUI leaders, including DPCC chief Devender Yadav, AICC spokesperson Ragini Nayak and DUSU president Ronak Khatri.

NSUI national president Varun Choudhary struck a confident note, predicting a clean sweep in the polls. “We are confident of winning 4-0. Following the path of Rahul Gandhi, the NSUI is determined to safeguard the Constitution and fight on real student issues — campus infrastructure, women’s safety, scholarships, and hostels,” he said.

He added that the union’s campaign would once again open the “Mohabbat Ki Dukan” in Delhi University, making love, diversity and dignity its central principles.

The main manifesto focuses on issues such as rollback of fee hikes, opposition to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, campus infrastructure upgrades, transparent examinations, mental health support, timely scholarships and sustainability initiatives.

The women’s manifesto, on the other hand, puts the spotlight on menstrual health, zero tolerance against harassment, enhanced safety measures, empowerment initiatives and improved infrastructure such as vending machines and counselling centres. By releasing a dedicated women’s manifesto, the NSUI has sought to redefine the scope of student politics, making gender equality a core election issue.

With this dual approach, the student wing of the Congress has attempted to strike a balance between addressing everyday student concerns and placing inclusivity and women’s rights firmly at the heart of its political pitch.

The elections are scheduled for September 18, and the nomination process kicked off on Wednesday. More than 175 police personnel have been deployed to maintain order during the election season. This year, 21 candidates have filed nominations for the post of president, 15 for vice-president, 20 for secretary and 17 for joint secretary.

‘Hum Badlenge’

Women’s Manifesto

• Menstrual leave & health awareness
• 24×7 emergency helpline, legal aid
• More female guards, CCTV, lighting
• Strong ICCs, gender workshops
• Sanitary vending machines, changing rooms, counselling centres