In one of the most high-profile campus political contests in India, the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections for 2025 delivered a resounding win for the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), which secured three of the four key posts. The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) managed to capture only the Vice President’s seat. Voter turnout stood at nearly 39.5%, with approximately 275,000 students registered to cast their votes across the university.
ABVP’s dominance was reflected in the posts of President, Secretary, and Joint Secretary, while NSUI retained influence with the Vice President position. This outcome not only marks a political shift in Delhi University but also sends broader signals about student politics across India.
Key Results and Vote Margins
• President: Aryan Maan (ABVP) — 28,841 votes. His nearest rival, NSUI’s Joselyn Nandita Chaudhary, secured 12,645 votes.
• Vice President: Rahul Jhansla (NSUI) — 29,339 votes. ABVP’s Govind Tanwar finished second with 20,547 votes.
• Secretary: Kunal Chaudhary (ABVP) — 23,779 votes.
• Joint Secretary: Deepika Jha (ABVP), who defeated Lav Kush Bhadana.
The election was conducted at 52 centres with 195 booths, using 711 EVM machines.
Campaign Issues and Student Demands
The campaign season revolved around pressing student concerns. ABVP promised initiatives such as free Wi-Fi, affordable metro passes, accessibility audits for differently-abled students, and improved sports facilities.
NSUI raised questions of campus safety, women’s rights, inclusivity, and hostel shortages, while also alleging malpractice and intimidation by ABVP groups on election day. The party stressed that student welfare must remain at the core of campus politics.
The Delhi High Court issued warnings during the campaign regarding the misuse of money and muscle power, as well as the defacement of university walls with posters and banners.
Analysis: Why ABVP Won and NSUI’s Position
ABVP’s victory demonstrates its organizational strength, grassroots presence, and ability to frame promises around immediate student concerns such as hostels, transport, and infrastructure. The group also capitalized on its consistent branding as the voice of nationalism within campus politics.
For NSUI, winning the Vice President’s post highlights that opposition voices remain relevant in Delhi University. The party’s emphasis on safety and inclusivity resonated with a section of the student population, though it was not enough to counter ABVP’s stronger mobilization.
Overall, the elections underlined that student politics is not only about ideology but also about delivery on practical student needs.
Future Challenges and Broader Relevance
The significance of these elections extends beyond Delhi University. They raise critical points for student politics across India:
• Low voter turnout: Despite being one of the country’s largest student elections, turnout hovered around 40%, raising concerns about political engagement.
• Implementation gap: Students are increasingly wary of manifestos that do not translate into real action.
• Regulatory enforcement: Universities must ensure stricter compliance against money power, intimidation, and illegal campaigning practices.
• Student voices beyond elections: Student unions must engage consistently with issues year-round rather than limiting attention to election season.
The 2025 DUSU results reinforce ABVP’s grip on Delhi University politics, while also signaling that NSUI retains a foothold. For India’s academic landscape, these elections highlight the evolving dynamics of youth politics, where credibility will ultimately depend not on campaign slogans but on visible delivery for students.
-By NewsNowNation Editorial Team
