Unlike previous years, the ongoing campaigning for the Delhi University Students’ Union elections has been quieter and cleaner — courtesy the Delhi High Court withholding the election results for two months last year over concerns about defacement and stringent guidelines now in place.
In contrast to blowing printed banners in the air, holding roadshows, and canvassing through SUVs, the contestants and their supporters are distributing slips of paper with handwritten candidate names, reaching out to students individually, and using social media for campaigning.
The university has issued strict guidelines prohibiting canvassing via vehicles, using loudspeakers, and defacing public property.
Ramu Mali, a ragpicker who lives near Chhatra Marg, North Campus, said he used to collect around 20 kilograms of paper waste before elections until last year. “This time, we are just picking up empty bottles and plates. There is very little paper waste littering the university’s roads,” said Mr. Mali.
Anand Ojha, an Independent contesting for a college counsellor post, said, “Most of the campaign is taking place online due to the stringent guidelines. Candidates are reaching students on Instagram and via WhatsApp messages.”
