New Delhi:
Posters, stickers and pompous modes of campaigning are passe at Delhi University, which is just three days away from electing its new students' union.
The strict election norms for the September 3 election have compelled students to have a more sober election campaign in which candidates rely more on word of mouth canvassing, SMSes and marches on foot.
And with last year's disqualifications heavy on their minds, the candidate are only too eager to exercise extra caution so as not to violate the poll code of conduct in any way.
"To tell you honestly, we think 10 times before taking any step during the campaigning. We are really really cautious to not do anything illegal," said Jitender Choudhary, the presidential candidate of Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).
"The norms set by the Lyngdoh committee will be followed by us on every step," he told PTI.
The candidate also conceded that the norms have been beneficial, particularly for those potentially good leaders who do not have the wherewithal to match the campaign spending of "some larger parties".
Besides, printed posters and stickers, the code of conduct has also enforced a strict ban on using vehicles or animals for campaigning or loudspeakers.
Last year, in the run-up to the elections, as many as seven candidates were rejected for flouting the Supreme Court judgement on students' union elections. This led to the NSUI and ABVP -- the main political contenders -- losing three contestants each from their central panels.
The strong action had wiped out the heavyweights, and had resulted in an independent candidate winning the DUSU president's post after an 18-year gap.
"We will definitely be more careful this time and all our campaigns will be in line with the Lyngdoh Committee norms," said Akshay Kumar, NSUI's candidate for the post of Joint Secretary.
With using printed material prohibited, the candidates are running their campaigns on blogs and social networking sites and through SMSes as well.
"We are going about colleges, mobilising support through word of mouth and through slogans, making sure no printed material finds its way in our campaigns," Kumar said.
The strict election norms for the September 3 election have compelled students to have a more sober election campaign in which candidates rely more on word of mouth canvassing, SMSes and marches on foot.
And with last year's disqualifications heavy on their minds, the candidate are only too eager to exercise extra caution so as not to violate the poll code of conduct in any way.
"To tell you honestly, we think 10 times before taking any step during the campaigning. We are really really cautious to not do anything illegal," said Jitender Choudhary, the presidential candidate of Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).
"The norms set by the Lyngdoh committee will be followed by us on every step," he told PTI.
The candidate also conceded that the norms have been beneficial, particularly for those potentially good leaders who do not have the wherewithal to match the campaign spending of "some larger parties".
Besides, printed posters and stickers, the code of conduct has also enforced a strict ban on using vehicles or animals for campaigning or loudspeakers.
Last year, in the run-up to the elections, as many as seven candidates were rejected for flouting the Supreme Court judgement on students' union elections. This led to the NSUI and ABVP -- the main political contenders -- losing three contestants each from their central panels.
The strong action had wiped out the heavyweights, and had resulted in an independent candidate winning the DUSU president's post after an 18-year gap.
"We will definitely be more careful this time and all our campaigns will be in line with the Lyngdoh Committee norms," said Akshay Kumar, NSUI's candidate for the post of Joint Secretary.
With using printed material prohibited, the candidates are running their campaigns on blogs and social networking sites and through SMSes as well.
"We are going about colleges, mobilising support through word of mouth and through slogans, making sure no printed material finds its way in our campaigns," Kumar said.
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