Student body protests Rs 1L bond for DU polls

The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) on Tuesday staged a protest at Delhi University’s Faculty of Arts, opposing the decision to impose a Rs 1 lakh election bond requirement for contesting the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections.

Students from several colleges, including Ramjas College, Hindu College, Kirori Mal College, Miranda House and others, joined the demonstration. Protesters raised slogans and called on the university administration to immediately revoke the bond policy, which they argue restricts equal participation in the electoral process.

According to the students, the requirement would limit contestation to only those who are financially well-off, denying opportunities to other students. They said this could undermine the inclusive nature of student politics at the university.

ABVP leaders stressed the student union elections have historically fostered democratic engagement among youth and served as a gateway to broader political involvement. They argued such elections should remain open and accessible, without financial hurdles.

The organisation has opposed the bond policy since its inception. Tuesday’s protest formed part of a larger agitation campaign led by ABVP, which has already organised similar demonstrations across various DU colleges.

Calling the bond requirement “anti-student”, the ABVP said the policy would shatter the aspirations of many students hoping to contest. The organisation demanded elections be conducted peacefully and in accordance with democratic norms, without imposing undue financial burdens.

ABVP Delhi state secretary Sarthak Sharma said, “ABVP demands the university administration withdraw this decision at the earliest. Otherwise, Vidyarthi Parishad’s agitation will intensify — from the streets to the courts. While the Lyngdoh Committee caps election expenditure at Rs 5,000, asking students to deposit a Rs 1 lakh bond is irrational.”