ABVP avoids 'inauspicious' fortnight

The 16-day long wait for an auspicious day ended for the newly elected representatives of the Delhi University Students’ Union, with them taking formal charge of their offices on Monday.

The ‘inauspicious’ fortnight of Pitri Paksha had come in the way of the leaders of ABVP, who registered a historic sweep after a gap of 17 years. Results of the DUSU elections was declared on September 13.

“As per the Hindu traditions, no new work starts during the Pitri Paksha. So our leaders who are elected as DUSU office bearers had to wait,” a member of the student organisation said.

A havan was performed in the common room of DUSU office before the official inaugural.

Zonal organising secretary of ABVP Umesh Dutt was the chief guest. The BJP-backed student body, however, refrained from inviting BJP leaders, despite them congratulating the organisation on its poll success.

The newly elected student leaders claimed that they were in touch with student through phone before they occupied their new office.

“Students were in touch with us through phone. The numbers were mentioned on our cards,” said DUSU president Mohit Nagar.

He added that the office will remain open on all working days to facilitate students to meet their elected representatives.

Meanwhile, the ABVP leaders who are operating from a porta cabin have demanded a proper office space. “We have asked the vice-chancellor for new office space,” said Nagar.

“The building, which used to house the union office, was demolished in 2009. A new building has come up there. The previous DUSU office used to have a library and reading room,” Delhi state secretary of ABVP Saket Bahuguna said.