Delhi University proposes overhaul of DUSU election; student groups against indirect voting system

NEW DELHI: Delhi University (DU) has proposed a major change in its student union election process to curb "money and muscle power" in the polls. The proposal, discussed at the university's Executive Council (EC) meeting on Thursday, suggests replacing the current single-tier election system with a two-tier model. The move has sparked criticism from student organizations, such as the All India Students' Association (AISA). The AISA staged a protest against the DUSU election proposal outside the VC’ office.

The DU administration is expected to send the proposal for further discussion and feedback to various stakeholders. However, the proposal has already drawn criticism from various other student groups and activists.

The Delhi University's election proposal was drafted in response to a Delhi High Court order dated November 11, 2024, in the Prashan Manchanda vs. Union of India case. The court recommended structural reforms, advocating a shift to a two-tier election system where elections would first be conducted at the college and department level. The elected presidents and councilors from these institutions would then participate in a second round of voting to elect the DUSU office bearers.

DUSU Elections: AISA against indirect voting

The revamp in DUSU elections has been opposed by AISA. The students group argues that the new system will dilute student participation and turn the union into a powerless body. On February 27, AISA held a protest at the DU vice chancellor’s office, demanding the withdrawal of the proposal.

AISA DU secretary Anjali criticised the proposed Delhi University's election system, stating, “The indirect election is nothing but a tactic to turn the Union into a hollow institution. When the election is localised to a classroom, the policy ossues will take a backseat. This administration which could never democratise the campus now seeks to do away with all pretense."

DU Elections: ‘Government's anti-union stance’

AISA DU Joint secretary Saavy argued that indirect elections would shift campaign spending from posters to vote-buying among a select few. AISA DU Vice President Sanatan linked the proposal to a broader pattern of ‘government's anti-union stance’. "The administration knows it cannot outright disband DU’s student union, so it is introducing this diluted model," he said.

AAP’s teachers' body representative and EC Member, Rajpal Singh Pawar, opposed the proposed shift from direct to indirect DUSU elections. According to him, such big change should not be implemented without broader discussions involving students, teachers, and civil society.

DUSU Elections: AAP’s teachers’ body opposes proposal

Pawar warned that reverting to an indirect system could encourage elitism and the influence of money and muscle power. "We should not forget that initial method of DUSU elections was indirect and witnessed lot of use of money and muscle power. The indirect method of DUSU elections promoted elitism too. Hence, direct method of DUSU electrons was brought as a reform measure. Any imposed change in the methodology will weaken the democratic milieu of our university," said Pawar.

Delhi University passes budget for 2025-26

In its 1274th Executive Council (EC) meeting, Delhi University approved an estimated budget of Rs 1664.74 crore for the financial year 2025-26. The council also passed a revised DU budget of Rs 1191.33 crore for the ongoing financial year 2024-25.