DUSU elections 2026: Voting underway at Delhi University, 20 candidates in fray

Voting for the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections 2026 is underway on Friday, with 20 candidates contesting the four central posts — president, vice-president, secretary and joint secretary.

Polling for day-college students is being held from 8:30 am to 1 pm, while evening students can cast their votes from 3 pm to 7:30 pm. Counting of votes and declaration of results will take place on September 19.

The election features full panels from the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI). The All India Students’ Association (AISA) and Students’ Federation of India (SFI) are contesting the elections together as an alliance.

For the president’s post, ABVP has fielded Yash Dabas, while NSUI has nominated Vijay Shankar Meena. The AISA-SFI alliance has fielded Ananya Raturi.

The other candidates in the presidential contest are Ashmit Kumar of the ASAP/AAP student wing, along with independent or rebel candidates Ejaj Mansuri, Samarth Beniwal and Sameer Kumar.

The vice-president’s contest includes Ishu Maurya of ABVP, Vir Chatrath of NSUI and Akshat Shikhar of AISA-SFI. Aranya Singh Rathore and Deepanshu Shokeen are also in the fray.

For secretary, ABVP has nominated Riya Chhawadi, NSUI has fielded Namrata Choudhary and AISA-SFI has fielded Stanzin Deskyong. Pankaj Kumar, backed by the ASAP/AAP student wing, is also contesting.

The joint secretary’s contest features Lakshya Raj Singh of ABVP, Gopal Choudhary of NSUI and B Parijaat of AISA-SFI, besides independent or rebel candidate Vishesh Yadav.

Security tightened across Delhi University

Delhi University and the Delhi Police have stepped up security arrangements around polling centres and other sensitive locations to ensure peaceful voting and maintain law and order.

Vehicular movement has been restricted on key stretches, including Chhatra Marg, Probyn Road and University Road. The restrictions will remain in force on Friday and Saturday until the declaration of results.

Police are coordinating with university authorities and college administrations over entry and exit points, student movement and other logistical arrangements for polling and counting.

A senior police officer said security arrangements had been put in place around colleges and other important locations. Police personnel have been deployed at strategic points, while foot patrols, motorcycle teams and PCR vans are maintaining a visible presence around the campuses.

Paramilitary personnel have also been deployed at strategic locations as part of the multi-layered security arrangements.

Security has been heightened around polling centres to regulate movement, prevent overcrowding and check unauthorised gatherings and clashes. Police teams are also keeping a close watch on sensitive and vulnerable points expected to witness heavy movement of students and supporters.

Candidate appeals for peaceful voting

Lakshya Raj Singh, who is contesting the joint secretary’s post with ballot number 3 on an ABVP ticket, appealed to students to vote peacefully and maintain their bonds with fellow students during the elections.

“Elections are only for one day. You are free to vote for the candidate of your choice, but do not let this affect your brotherhood or relationships with others. This is a festival of democracy, so celebrate it with love and harmony,” he said.

Singh also urged students to exercise their right to vote and referred to the ABVP’s 2026 manifesto, which includes issues such as accommodation, placements and pink booths.

Student safety and campus concerns take centre stage

The election is also unfolding against a wider debate over student safety, accommodation, infrastructure and accountability on the Delhi University campus.

Students are raising concerns that extend beyond the traditional ABVP-NSUI contest, including AI and new-age learning, hostel facilities, safety in paying guest accommodation, women’s safety, infrastructure and accountability.

The Satya Niketan PG collapse has further brought questions around student housing and safety into focus.

Last year’s ABVP-backed DUSU president said the administration and Delhi Police had acted promptly after an incident involving students. He said coordination between police and students had improved and urged authorities to respond immediately to any untoward incident.

He also said several issues raised by students during his tenure had been addressed. Speaking about Gen Z voters, he said young students have a sense of nationalism and cited the recent Punjab University student elections as an example.

DUSU’s political legacy

The DUSU elections have historically served as an important platform for student leaders who later entered mainstream politics.

Rekha Gupta, who served as DUSU president in 1996-97, went on to become Delhi Chief Minister in 2025.

Former DUSU president Arun Jaitley, who served in 1974-75, later became a senior BJP leader and Union finance minister.

With polling underway, attention now turns to voter turnout, the conduct of voting across colleges and the issues that ultimately shape the results.

Counting of votes and the declaration of results are scheduled for September 19.