Delhi University Elections have been subject to practices that flout rules of fair campaigning.
Like every year, the Delhi University Students Union Elections -- the nursery for budding politicians - have been subject to practices that flout rules of fair campaigning. From election budget to campaigning procedure, violations are rampant, allege students.
The Lyngdoh committee guidelines for fair election practices, issued in 2006 and backed by the Supreme Court, say the election budget must be no more than Rs 5000.
But just the hoardings put up all around the university area by most parties, cost at least Rs 10,000 each.
On Teachers' Day, close to 500 students were taken to an amusement park in Sonepat for free rides by NSUI. A discounted ticket at the park costs close to Rs 750.
"Lyngdoh committee guidelines are for contestants, the party can spend as much money on elections as they want," was how NSUI presidential candidate Nikhil Yadav explained it.
ABVP's Secretary candidate Ankit Sangwan said he has a problem with the Lyngdoh committee guidelines. A ceiling of Rs 5,000, he said, is "not practical".
"All of us know that freebies are distributed and the other day, I was coming on my scooter when a flying pamphlet stuck to my face. I thought I would have an accident," said Ujali Verma, a student of economics from Hindu college.
Countless pamphlets are distributed in the campus despite the National Green Tribunal's order in July to stop paper usage during DUSU elections. (order is right?) Yes, the order stated "Only allow candidates contesting elections or their pre-notified student agents to utilise handmade posters at certain notified places, not exceeding two on each campus
Another student from Kirorimal college, who did not want her name to be disclosed, added: "Most parties come for power play, and nothing is really done on campus afterwards. Most hostellers are distributed alcohol and chocolates every year for votes. This kind of campaigning needs to stop."
Asked about the issue, chief election officer DS Rawat said it is "not easy to identify" people who have put up hoardings or distributing pamphlets. "If someone flouts a rule, I can send them notice. They will have to reply. Then allegations and counter-allegations would be sent to the grievance redressal officer."
The grievance redressal officer said it was also the responsibility of the police to see that these practices don't occur.