Delhi University election committee has asked the city police to beef up security for the Delhi University Students’ Union elections starting next week, specifically in and around four off- campus colleges which the officials term as ‘sensitive’ areas.
“We had several meetings with the joint commissioner. We have requested the police to provide more security in areas around Shaheed Bhagat Singh, College of Vocational Studies, Sri Aurobindo College (morning and evening), and Deshbandhu College (morning and evening) once the election process starts,” said an election committee member.
The last date to receive nomination papers is September 4 after which the election campaigning will start. The last date to withdraw nominations is September 6 and the elections will be held on September 14.
The member said, student unions are being reminded to follow Lyngdoh committee guidelines and according to the guidelines only handmade posters should be used for canvassing.
“If there are printed posters lying on the road, then police can file a complaint. We have found that in several off-campus colleges, stamped names are used on visiting card sized posters. This is also not allowed as the stamp is also a machine,” he said.
The member informed that several FIRs of defaulters have been registered in various police stations.
One of the major concerns for the election committee members is that the posters should be handmade.
“When everything revolves around computers, writing is no longer a habit these days with students. Union members will be constantly reminded about handmade posters,” said the member.
The students unions have showed concern over increasing restrictions in elections. “There have been cases of minor scuffles in several off-campus colleges which are bound to happen. These are usually over spaces to put up posters. Beefing up security is not a problem, but several other restrictions in the guidelines are of concern,” said a student union member.