Delhi University witnessed a historic turn in its student politics as the National Students Union of India (NSUI) made a remarkable comeback in the 2024 Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) elections. After a gap of seven years, NSUI secured the coveted President’s position and the Joint Secretary post, marking a significant resurgence in student leadership.
A Landmark Victory
Raunak Khatri, representing NSUI, was elected as the President, defeating his closest competitor from the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) by a decisive margin. NSUI’s Lokesh Chaudhary further strengthened the party’s position by winning the Joint Secretary role. However, the party narrowly missed securing the Secretary position, with their candidate losing by less than 1,200 votes to ABVP’s Mitravinda Karnawal.
ABVP, affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), managed to retain its influence, securing the Vice President and Secretary positions. Bhanu Pratap Singh’s victory in the Vice President race reaffirmed ABVP’s stronghold in segments of the university’s electorate.
NSUI’s Inclusive Campaign Resonates with Students
Speaking to NH, Md. Amaan Asim, the National Chairperson of NSUI said, “The NSUI campaign was focused on raising the issues of women’s safety and the issues of marginalised students from SC/ST and OBC backgrounds. This time we also had a specific women’s manifesto called the Her Manifesto that calls for menstrual leave for students. The RSS affiliated ABVP used all its might to ensure a violent and divisive campaign but DU students have rejected this and chosen a progressive and inclusive leadership.”
NSUI leaders credited their victory to the party’s ability to connect with the students’ concerns and aspirations. Speaking after the results, Raunak Khatri expressed gratitude to the student community, emphasizing that the win was a mandate for progressive change.
ABVP’s Campaign and Challenges
Despite the setback in losing the President’s post, ABVP displayed resilience in retaining two key positions. However, their campaign faced criticism for its aggressive approach, which some students perceived as divisive. The party denied these allegations, emphasizing its focus on campus development and student welfare.
DUSU Elections: A Barometer of Campus Politics
The DUSU elections have long been seen as a microcosm of India’s larger political landscape. With over 50 affiliated colleges and a student body exceeding 1.5 lakh, the elections provide a platform for political parties to engage with the youth.
This year’s results indicate a shift in student preferences toward progressive and inclusive leadership, as exemplified by NSUI’s return to prominence. The victory underscores the importance of addressing contemporary student issues, from safety and inclusivity to gender rights.
