The final day of campaigning for the Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) elections descended into chaos on Tuesday, with violent clashes breaking out at multiple university campuses across the sprawling institution. Student activists from rival political wings were involved in altercations that led to injuries, defacement of campaign materials and infrastructure, and serious allegations of election norm violations.
According to sources within the university administration, tensions had been building throughout the week-long polling period, but the confrontations on the last day of campaigning crossed into open conflict. Several student leaders reported being pushed and assaulted by opponents near campaign rallies and public meetings held in hostels and academic blocks.
Multiple reports emerged of posters and banners belonging to competing student factions being torn down and vandalized. In some instances, campaign flags were confiscated or destroyed during the scuffles. University officials confirmed receiving complaints about these incidents but stated that no formal action had been taken against any party pending an internal review.
Medical assistance was sought by at least a handful of students who sustained minor injuries during the confrontations. The university infirmary and nearby hospitals were contacted by student welfare cells, though the extent of injuries has not been definitively quantified.
The DUSU elections, among the most fiercely contested student polls in India, drew significant attention this year. Political student organizations affiliated with national parties deployed large numbers of workers across Delhi University's seventeen colleges, turning the campus into a high-stakes arena for youth political representation.
University authorities had previously issued strict reminders about maintaining decorum and adhering to the code of conduct for election campaigning. Despite these warnings, the final day saw what appears to have been the worst breakdown of order since the campaigns began.
The returning officer for the DUSU polls is expected to hold hearings on the reported violations in the coming days. Voting is scheduled to proceed as planned, with election officials expressing confidence that security arrangements would prevent further disruption.
