Ahead of the Delhi University Student’s Union (DUSU) election, Students’ Federation of India (SFI) and All India Students’ Federation (AISF) candidates have alleged that ABVP activists attacked and prevented them from filing their nomination.
Yesterday, September 4, was the last date to do the same.
The candidates claimed that they were allegedly stopped by Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) activists who tore their nomination papers in front of the Arts Faculty’s Gate No 4 at Delhi University’s North Campus. As a result, three SFI candidates and one from AISF could not file their nomination.
However, ABVP has refuted these claims.
When LiveWire contacted Ashutosh Singh – state media in-charge of ABVP Delhi – he denied the claims saying, “No it’s completely false. Only the candidates were allowed to enter the premises, while outside the authorised premises lot of police force was present. So it’s completely a false allegation. As we are winning, SFI and AISF are trying to defame us.”
He also added, “Everybody was allowed to file the nomination by 3 pm. And the police was there to ensure it. We don’t know why they have not filed their nomination.”
Monika Chaudhary, the national media convenor of the ABVP also called the allegations false and baseless, Edexlive reported.
Also read Is There a Veiled Message Behind ABVP Installing V.D. Savarkar’s Bust in DU North Campus?
Varkey Parakkal, a masters student at Delhi School of Economics told Newsclick that the second attack by ABVP goons was in front of the police. However, the police remained a mute spectator and no action was taken.
According to News18, the police said that the SFI candidates came to file their nominations at 3.15 pm. There was a ruckus and CCTV footage was being examined after a complaint was filed by SFI and AISF candidates.
SFI member Vikas alleged that around 2:35 pm they were on their way to submit their nomination when ABVP members allegedly confronted them. Vikas added that the second attempt to file the nomination was also maligned by ABVP activists, the Times of India reported.
In a press statement, SFI has condemned the attack by ABVP members calling it “undemocratic and violent.” They have also demanded that the university must accept the nominations of the candidates.
Similar cases in the past
Recently, ABVP courted controversy by installing political activist V.D. Savarkar’s bust in DU’s Art’s faculty. The bust, however, has now been removed.
Similarly, they allegedly disrupted the screening of Anand Patwardhan’s documentary Ram ke Naam at Ambedkar University (Kashmere Gate campus).
For the present case of alleged vandalism in DUSU elections, SFI and AISF candidates have urged the election commission to take legal actions against ABVP activists.
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