The highly anticipated results for the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) Election 2025 are expected today, Friday. This election marks the climax of an intense student political battle that saw over 1.55 lakh students cast their votes.
The DUSU election, held on Thursday, drew participation from more than 2.75 lakh eligible voters across over 50 colleges affiliated with Delhi University. A total of 711 Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were used across 52 centers and 195 booths, recording an overall voter turnout of 39.45%.
This year’s contest featured 21 candidates vying for the four key positions within the student union: President, Vice President, Secretary, and Joint Secretary. Notably, nine candidates specifically competed for the coveted President’s post, while 12 others sought the remaining leadership roles.
However, the elections were not without their share of controversy, including allegations of violence and malpractice. The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), accused the current DUSU President and National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) leader, Ronak Khatri, of being involved in a scuffle that reportedly occurred on North Campus. ABVP Delhi State Secretary Sarthak Sharma claimed that Khatri’s supporters physically assaulted a female student outside Kirori Mal College, resulting in injuries.
Despite these accusations and tensions, both the ABVP and NSUI expressed confidence in their chances, each asserting that victory was imminent. The ABVP maintained that they were poised to secure all four union posts, dismissing NSUI’s allegations as unfounded and a sign of political desperation. In response to the heated atmosphere, security measures have been enhanced across all university campuses to maintain peace during and after the announcement of the election results.
DUSU: A Rich Legacy of Student Leadership
Since its establishment in 1949, the Delhi University Students’ Union has been a vital training ground for student politics, fostering leaders who have gone on to achieve prominent roles in Indian public life. Founded under the leadership of V. K. R. V. Rao, with its constitution drafted by a provisional committee of college union presidents, DUSU was officially inaugurated by then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru on April 9, 1949. Over many decades, it has grown to become the world’s largest student body, proudly representing over 700,000 students across 91 affiliated colleges and 16 faculties.
The Union operates as a comprehensive organization, with its leadership comprising a President, Vice President, Secretary, Joint Secretary, and Central Councillors, each elected from affiliated colleges. Its financial operations are supported by a budget, partially derived from a small annual subscription paid by every student, enabling its activities across various campuses. Delhi University politics is frequently likened to a “mini theatre of national politics,” attracting significant involvement from all major political parties, making DUSU elections some of the most closely observed student polls in India.
Meet the Last 10 DUSU Presidents
Here’s a detailed look at the ten individuals who have most recently held the esteemed DUSU President’s position, alongside the number of votes they garnered:
| Election year | President | Votes polled |
| 2012 | Arun Hooda | 17,621 |
| 2013 | Aman Awana | 17,879 |
| 2014 | Mohit Naagar | 20,718 |
| 2015 | Satender Awana | 20,439 |
| 2016 | Amit Tanwar | 16,357 |
| 2017 | Rocky Tushir | 16,299 |
| 2018 | Ankiv Baisoya | 20,467 |
| 2019 | Akshit Dahiya | 29,685 |
| 2023 | Tushar Dedha | 23,460 |
| 2024 | Ronak Khatri | 20,207 |
(Source: Wikipedia)
Each of these leaders signifies a distinct chapter in DU’s vibrant, politically charged, and highly competitive student environment. From skillfully navigating complex campus politics to influencing national party dynamics, these Presidents have established significant benchmarks that their successors will undoubtedly strive to exceed.
As Delhi University proceeds with its vote counting and prepares to unveil its 2025 leadership, the profound legacy of these ten influential student leaders serves as both a historical backdrop and a challenging standard. This continuous cycle reminds both students and political observers that DUSU remains a crucial arena for ambition, activism, and accountability.