The Delhi University Students Union is the representative body of the students for most of the colleges and faculties.Besides this,each college has its own students union for which elections are held every year in the month of August-September.DUSU elections are one of the biggest in terms of the scale and intensity.It is one of the most vibrant and democratic election.This gives ground to students who want to pursue their career in politics and social activism.In the past, several of the office bearers of Delhi University Students Union have gone on to hold public offices in State and Central Governments,no matter they are in ruling or opposition right now.
The elections to Delhi University Students Union are held through direct voting by students of DUSU affiliated colleges.The University of Delhi has a long history of student political activity.DUSU election and it’s student union gives a candidate ample experience regarding the kind of work they have to do in future.It is believed that having elections is benefitting because it is a healthy exercise in grooming students for a career in politics.
Talking about the DUSU Elections this year,the Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) elections which will be held on 12 September will be a triangular contest,with the entry of the alliance of All India Students Association (AISA) and the Aam Aadmi Party’s (AAP) student wing-Chhatra Yuva Sangharsh Samiti (CYSS).
Honestly,the air around the campus during elections is different.We see posters hung around and being distributed,students campaigning for their respective candidates, candidates convincing students to vote for them making promises and giving commitments for betterment.I strongly support these elections.There are two sides to these elections- the brighter side and the darker side.The brighter side shows students actually bringing up student issues and committing to adhere to them.It gives a candidate a platform to explore his contesting capabilities,the qualities that give him an upper hand against his rival.How well a candidate campaigns for oneself is shown by the results and the path for the future union too.
However, there are certain points which I feel are not in the real spirit of such democratic elections.The candidates now aim more for a vote bank rather than a real and actual support.It is more about purchasing the votes,in a sense,the candidates organize picnics and parties for students,free coupons are distributed among students as an appeal for a vote while campaigning,etc.All this,in my opinion isn’t fair and shouldn‚Äôt exist.It involves a lot of money usage which is not the motive of these elections and also goes the guidelines. Apart from this a lot of paper wastage is seen which is not environmentally correct.
I’m my opinion students must be guided on how to approach their president and other leaders.So basically need is –
1. To make students know their candidates and different parties they belong to
2. Teach students how to vote correctly
3. And a proper way/channel to contact their elected candidates after elections should be there.
But apart from all the drama and chaos that exist during the election season,it is indeed flabbergasting to see and experience the university elections.
