Khalsa College dissociates from DUSU polls, to conduct own elections
Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College, a prominent institution under Delhi University, has announced its decision to disassociate from the upcoming Delhi University Student Union (DUSU) elections. The college's principal, Gurmohinder Singh, revealed that they will instead conduct their own student elections. This decision was made following directions from the college's parent body, the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC).
DSGMC's influence on DU colleges and elections
The DSGMC governs four Delhi University colleges, including Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Khalsa College. The other three are Sri Guru Nanak Dev Khalsa College, Sri Guru Gobind Singh College of Commerce, and Mata Sundri College for Women. However, only the first three are affiliated with DUSU. Earlier this year, the DSGMC announced that these affiliated colleges would not participate in the 2024 DUSU elections.
Khalsa College's new election process and controversy
Singh informed PTI that the college's own elections would feature office bearers nominated by the Staff Advisory Committee, adhering to the Lyngdoh Committee guidelines. This decision has sparked protests from both Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and National Students's Union of India (NSUI) members. The ABVP has challenged this disassociation in Delhi High Court, launching an 'indefinite strike' for its reversal.
NSUI alleges pressure from ABVP behind election cancelation
NSUI members have alleged that the cancelation of elections was done under pressure from ABVP. NSUI National President Varun Choudhary stated, "NSUI has consistently held a strong position in Khalsa College elections. ABVP is clearly afraid of facing elections. They know they will lose." He further added, "The cancelation, done under pressure from ABVP, is viewed as a blatant attempt to favor them." The DUSU Elections are scheduled for September 27, 2024.
