Delhi University’s 2025 student elections have concluded with Aryan Maan of the ABVP successfully elected as the new DUSU President. This marks a significant win for the party in one of the country’s most closely watched campus polls. The elections, held on September 18 across 52 centers and 195 booths, saw a participation of over 2.75 lakh eligible students, with a voter turnout of 39.45%.
The electoral contest highlighted the increasing political energy within Delhi University. A total of 21 candidates competed for the four key positions: President, Vice President, Secretary, and Joint Secretary. This election not only demonstrated the competitive spirit of student politics but also reaffirmed DUSU’s role as a vital platform for nurturing future leaders. Key issues resonating with the youth electorate this year included campus safety, student welfare, and gender representation, reflecting broader socio-political concerns.
Enhanced Security Measures and Court Directives
The elections were conducted under stringent security protocols, which included drone surveillance across North Campus and the deployment of additional police forces to maintain order. Furthermore, the Delhi High Court had issued a directive prohibiting candidates and student organizations from organizing victory processions in the national capital, emphasizing that any disruption could negatively affect the functioning of DUSU office bearers.
Key Candidates and Their Election Promises
The presidential race featured several prominent contenders:
- Aryan Maan (ABVP): His campaign focused on delivering subsidized metro passes, providing free campus-wide Wi-Fi, conducting accessibility audits for students with disabilities, and upgrading sports infrastructure.
- Joslyn Nandita Choudhary (NSUI): Her platform addressed pressing concerns such as hostel shortages, overall campus safety, and the introduction of menstrual leave for female students.
- Anjali (SFI-AISA): She advocated for improved gender sensitization initiatives, a rollback of recent fee hikes, and the reinstatement of effective grievance redressal mechanisms for students.
These diverse platforms showcased a blend of core student welfare issues and broader ideological priorities, underscoring the high-stakes and competitive nature of the DUSU elections.
Vote Counting and Final Results
The vote counting process took place at the University Sports Stadium multipurpose hall, overseen by strict surveillance, and involved 18 to 20 rounds of counting. Aryan Maan secured a decisive lead over NSUI’s Joslyn Nandita Choudhary, thereby solidifying ABVP’s continued dominance in student politics for the upcoming 2025–26 term.
Historical Significance and Future Outlook
The DUSU presidency has historically served as a significant launchpad for national political careers, with notable alumni such as Arun Jaitley, Vijay Goel, and Ajay Maken having ascended to ministerial positions. Aryan Maan’s recent victory further underscores ABVP’s enduring influence and illustrates how student elections continue to mirror broader political currents, where leadership, campus activism, and student welfare intersect.
Looking Ahead
With the new leadership now in place, Delhi University will keenly observe how the DUSU executive manages governance, fosters student engagement, and implements social initiatives. The 2025 elections unequivocally reaffirm that DU remains a crucial arena for shaping future leaders and reflecting the evolving political aspirations of India’s youth.