Student groups NSUI and ABVP clashed at Delhi University’s Kirori Mal College on Tuesday, the last day of campaigning for the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections.
The incident took place shortly before Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai was scheduled to visit the campus to campaign for NSUI candidates. In a statement, the Congress-backed NSUI alleged that members of the ABVP, the student wing of the RSS, attacked its Purvanchal student supporters in an attempt to disrupt the programme. “This clearly exposes ABVP’s deep-rooted hatred towards Purvanchal students and their frustration with the overwhelming support NSUI is receiving,” the outfit said. Ajay Rai, who released a video message while on his way to the campus, assured students of his solidarity. “ABVP is rattled by the massive support NSUI is receiving. The violence at KMC is proof of their fear. I am coming to stand with you,” he said. The NSUI condemned the incident, terming it an act of “hooliganism,” and asserted that students would respond to intimidation “through the power of their vote.” Responding to the allegations, the ABVP accused Congress leaders and NSUI of “vitiating the campus atmosphere” by bringing outsiders into the university during campaigning.
In a statement, ABVP Delhi State Secretary Sarthak Sharma said, “It is highly condemnable that Congress and NSUI are bringing outsiders into the university to spread violence and chaos.
The DU campus is meant to be a hub of learning and positive student politics, but Congress leaders’ interference has made it unsafe. ABVP is fully committed to safeguarding students’ security and interests.”
The ABVP further alleged that repeated visits by Congress leaders, including Sachin Pilot and Deepender Singh Hooda, had created inconvenience and fear among students, particularly female students.
