Different parties, same agenda: Lack of fresh promises in DUSU polls irks students
NEW DELHI: Election season is just a few days away at Delhi University. Yet, almost all student political units in the campus are releasing the same majestic manifestos that have been released on previous occasions.
“Poll fever is gripping the entire campus. For past many years these student unions have been releasing impressive manifestos. But has there been any progress? Has the university witnessed any change?” asks a third year student of Hindu College.
Over the years, no major changes have been seen in manifestos for the DU Students’ Union election. If one goes through the manifestoes of different parties, one realises how similar they are in the amenities, provisions and campaigning techniques.
They remain focused on providing a safe environment for women, affordable hostel facilities, proper implementation of the Choice Based Credit System, formation of a North Eastern Cell, encouragement of anti-ragging and anti-discriminatory practices, and so on.
A student of Psychology says, “One might argue that change doesn’t happen in a day. But the fact that certain parties have backed a seat or two, sometimes even more, in DUSU elections year after year. Still, the agendas they put forth remain the same. It is a matter of great concern. The students need to question their political presence and the allocation of resources that they garner.”
Since 2014, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad has maintained certain bullet points in its list of agendas, despite coming to power on successive occasions. The same issues have been raised in the manifestos of National Students’ Union of India and All India Stdents’ Association.
They talk of providing bank accounts for all the students, safety from sexual harassment and discrimination, progression and preservation of North Eastern students and their culture and rights, etc.
Yet, it is alarming to note that many of these issues of grave concern still remain unaddressed.
“Political ideology and inclination is what separates them because the demands and needs of the students are basic and every party knows the importance to assure the basic minimum requirements in their own ways. The problem arises when after capturing the seats, the funds are misused or muscle power becomes the means to address issues, staff and students alike,” said a professor, not wishing to be named.