DUSU Polls 2026: GenZ Concerns Reshape Campus Campaigns
As DUSU elections near, student groups target GenZ voters with campaigns focused on campus issues like sanitation, placements and hostels, alongside traditional outreach.
With Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) elections scheduled for September 18, the political atmosphere across the university's campuses is intensifying. Student organisations, including ABVP, NSUI, SFI and AAP's student wing ASAP, are finalising their strategies. The electoral picture will become clearer after nominations close on September 10.
This year's polls are testing how traditional student politics adapts to a generation with distinct priorities. Following recent movements around issues like Re-NEET, organisations are working to integrate GenZ concerns into their electoral narratives.
Students have highlighted a range of pressing issues. At the Faculty of Law, concerns include sanitation facilities, inadequate campus lighting for safe movement at night, and limited hostel accommodation, which forces many to seek expensive private housing. Placement opportunities and library conditions, including cleanliness, are also major points of discussion.
At Miranda House, a student pointed to the disruption caused by election noise and suggested separate arrangements for vegetarian and non-vegetarian food in canteens. Some women students at the Faculty of Arts noted that an aggressive atmosphere can discourage female participation in electoral contests.
On the campaign front, ABVP has begun pre-campaigning with nine potential candidates, assessing their popularity and vote base. NSUI has announced eight potential candidates and is working to rebuild its presence. AAP's student wing ASAP is attempting to establish itself, while SFI is also in the fray. The principal contest, however, appears to be between ABVP and NSUI.
Both major organisations are focusing on manifestos. ABVP has released a QR code for student suggestions, while NSUI is running an 'Accountable DU, Accountable DUSU' campaign. Organisations are also deploying workers from different states to connect with students on a personal level, a strategy described as preparing for a 'panchayat election-like voting'.
Cultural programmes reflecting regional identities are planned to attract students, and ASAP is using initiatives like 'Clean the Campus' to engage voters. Left student organisations are expected to focus on GenZ concerns.
Under Lyngdoh Committee guidelines, the campaign expenditure limit per candidate is Rs 5,000, though organisations acknowledge that campaigning across Delhi involves higher costs. They maintain they will follow rules regarding vehicle use. The university has assured that elections will be conducted fairly according to prescribed standards.