DUSU polls 2026: Campaign rules violated despite DU restrictions
The Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections on Friday were marked by alleged violations of campaign rules, including the use of printed pamphlets, vehicle rallies and distribution of campaign material despite restrictions under the Lyngdoh Committee recommendations and Delhi University’s election guidelines.
In North Campus, printed pamphlets carrying candidates’ names were seen scattered across roads and footpaths. Campaigners travelling in vehicles were seen throwing pamphlets around Chhatra Marg and near colleges including Kirori Mal and Hansraj, while students on motorcycles distributed candidate cards between colleges. Similar campaign activity involving SUVs and other vehicles was reported around South Campus.
The developments came as the Delhi High Court took note of repeated violations during the DUSU election campaign. The court said it was considering imposing collective electoral damages on students and student organisations found violating the norms. It also barred victory processions after the results are announced and issued notices to 140 candidates over alleged violations of the Lyngdoh recommendations, the model code and previous court orders.
The Lyngdoh guidelines prohibit candidates from using printed posters, pamphlets and other printed campaign material, while allowing handmade posters at designated locations. DU has also capped campaign expenditure at ₹5,000 and introduced a paperless campaign framework for the 2026 elections. Campaigning officially ended on Wednesday ahead of Friday’s polling.
The High Court was informed that police had issued more than 5,400 challans, impounded 49 vehicles and arrested four people in connection with election-related violations. The court also questioned how vehicles, including some allegedly without registration plates, were being allowed to participate in campaign cavalcades.
The campaign has also been accompanied by allegations of political rivalry and violence. ABVP alleged that NSUI used its name alongside ABVP on voting chits, though the claim could not be independently verified.
In a separate incident, two Satyawati College students were injured and two vehicles were damaged after a clash between groups in northwest Delhi’s Bharat Nagar area. Police said the incident occurred during college election campaigning and involved allegations of assault and firing.
The 2026 DUSU election features 20 candidates contesting four central posts — president, vice-president, secretary and joint secretary. Voting is scheduled for September 18, with counting due on September 19.
with inputs from PTI
