The student council elections at Delhi University’s Gargi College descended into chaos on Friday, as allegations of misconduct, intimidation and electoral malpractice surfaced from multiple quarters, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the poll process and student safety on campus.
Allegations of unfair practices dominate narrative
According to The Times of India, the controversy gained traction after videos from inside the campus began circulating online, with a presidential candidate claiming she was mistreated during the election process. She alleged that she was pushed out of the premises by faculty members after her political affiliation became known. According to her account, she was also made to wait for extended periods and was pressured into signing documents affirming that the elections were being conducted fairly.
The candidate further claimed that standard procedures were not followed. She alleged that ballot boxes were not inspected before voting and that the process began without her formal consent. These claims were strongly backed by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, which accused the college administration of attempting to influence the outcome and demanded that the elections be cancelled and conducted afresh.
Rival groups trade blame over disruption
On the other hand, the Students’ Federation of India presented a contrasting version of events, accusing ABVP members of disrupting the election process. According to SFI, tensions escalated after Aryan Mann, president of the Delhi University Students’ Union, arrived on campus.
SFI alleged that individuals affiliated with ABVP forcibly entered the college premises, creating a hostile environment and undermining the democratic process. The organisation described the situation as unacceptable, particularly in a women’s college, and raised concerns about the safety of students during the incident.
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Silence from administration raises concerns
Despite the seriousness of the allegations, there was no immediate response from the college administration, further fuelling uncertainty around the conduct of the elections. The absence of an official statement has led to growing demands for a transparent inquiry into the events.
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The incident highlights the increasingly volatile nature of campus politics in the capital, where student elections often mirror larger political rivalries. With both sides standing firm on their claims, the episode at Gargi College underscores the urgent need for stricter safeguards to ensure that democratic processes within educational institutions remain fair, transparent and free from coercion.
