New Delhi: Electors at the Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) polls appeared to ignore Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s attempt to invoke the youth over an alleged “vote chori” narrative, choosing three Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) candidates out of four central posts.
The voters also dismissed the Congress-affiliated student union’s promise of a ‘Mohabbat ki Dukaan’ — a shop of love — on the campus, which pledged unity, love, and respect for all. This concept, promoted by Rahul Gandhi, was aimed at countering what he alleged was hatred being spread by the ruling party. However, it failed to neutralise ABVP’s broader sweep on Friday.
In a decisive victory, the RSS-affiliated students’ organisation reclaimed the president’s post, along with those of the secretary and joint secretary. The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), linked to the Congress party, managed to retain only the vice president’s post.
This result reversed the partial gains that NSUI had made in the previous polls, reflecting ABVP’s strong organisational reach, campaign focus on basic campus issues, and popularity that outweighed political insinuations.
The DUSU election outcome largely mirrors the national political alignments. ABVP is frequently seen as an extension of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) mobilisation efforts on campuses. Its sweep signals a strong campus penetration for organisations associated with the ruling national coalition and suggests a recalibration of student political sentiment in Delhi’s colleges.
This victory resets the competitive balance in student politics, following NSUI’s partial comeback in 2024 when it won two of the four central posts. ABVP’s extensive organisational network and campus presence translated into more effective voter contact and logistical coordination. Its focus on everyday campus concerns appeared to resonate with pragmatic student interests.
On the other hand, NSUI campaigned on promises such as free Wi-Fi services, enhanced safety and hostel welfare, and special leave facilities for girls. Meanwhile, the ABVP presidential candidate’s manifesto included pledges for subsidised metro passes, free Wi-Fi across campus, accessibility audits for persons with disabilities, and improved sports facilities.
The result is likely to intensify the rivalry between ABVP and NSUI on campus, with the winning president and his allies expected to deliver on their promises promptly. Meanwhile, NSUI is likely to focus on building pressure and consolidating its position ahead of the next election.
The campus continues to be a vital recruitment ground for national parties. Friday’s outcome has strengthened ABVP’s position, enabling it to replenish allied cadres at municipal and state levels. Conversely, NSUI will be reassessing its strategies to reclaim lost ground in future polls.
*Note: Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by FPJ’s editorial team and is auto-generated from an agency feed.*
https://www.freepressjournal.in/education/delhi-university-students-union-elections-2025-abvp-sweeps-dusu-polls-rahul-gandhis-appeals-fall-flat