Parties sound poll bugle ahead of DU, JNU students’ body elections

The roll back of Choice-Based Credit System (CBCS), upgraded hostel facilities, right to accommodation and intensified security on campus are among the issues on the agenda of student wings of various political parties that have intensified their campaign in the poll-bound Delhi University (DU) and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).

Voting for the students' union elections will be held on the two campuses on September 11. 

While the candidates at JNU are preparing for a 'mashal julus' (torchlight march), those at Delhi University are campaigning from college-to-college, moving in swanky vehicles, bearing posters and flags.

Polls at both the universities have, over the decades, been a keenly contested affairs and are considered a stepping stone to mainstream politics.

The poll pattern at Jawaharlal Nehru University, however, differs from that of Delhi University. Besides the routine campaigning, candidates at JNU are also supposed to deliver speeches about their agenda, followed by a round of questions at the "Presidential debate".

The night-long event, which is conducted in the style of the United States Presidential debate, is keenly watched and often turns out to be a deciding factor in the elections.

With the nomination process coming to an end, the election authorities at both the universities have sprung into action and are streamlining the arrangements.

"The nomination process concluded last week and we have started making arrangements for the EVMs (Electronic Voting Machines). Delhi University is the only Indian university to use electronic voting machines for student elections. We also have Braille ballot papers for visually-impaired voters," said DU faculty and the university's Chief Election Commissioner, DS Rawat.

Videography of polling centres as well as the surrounding areas has also been intensified this time, with a committee in place, which will ensure zone-wise recording, the Chief Election Commissioner said. 

"We have directed installation of more CCTV cameras and commercial videographers will be hired to record the election activities," the official added.