Lucknow, Sep 19 (PTI) A demand for the restoration of student union polls in universities and colleges across Uttar Pradesh has gained momentum after the DUSU election results were declared on Saturday, with the Samajwadi Party and Congress student wings questioning the prolonged suspension of the contests in the state.
The Samajwadi Chhatra Sabha and the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) slammed the “silence” of the BJP over the issue even as, they said, the ruling party’s ministers wished the winners of the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) polls.
Samajwadi Chhatra Sabha state president Vineet Kushwaha said BJP leaders and ministers congratulate winners of student union elections in Delhi but remain silent on the restoration of such elections in Uttar Pradesh.
“If elections can be held in Delhi, why have they been stopped in Uttar Pradesh?” he said.
Kushwaha also questioned the ABVP’s silence on the issue in Uttar Pradesh, alleging that the organisation had earlier held protests demanding restoration of student union elections in the state.
He claimed that student union elections were restored under the Samajwadi Party government, but were stopped again after the BJP came to power in 2017.
Kushwaha said unions provide students a platform to raise issues such as fee hikes, hostel facilities and alleged harassment, and described student politics as a stepping stone for those entering mainstream politics.
He said the Samajwadi Party would restore student union elections in Uttar Pradesh if it forms the government in the state.
NSUI state vice-president Aryan Mishra also demanded restoration of the polls, while accepting the defeat of the organisation’s candidate in the DUSU election.
Mishra said student union elections in Uttar Pradesh would give students, including those from economically weaker, working-class and farming families, an opportunity to emerge as leaders.
“Student politics creates the urge among young people to ask questions. By not holding student union elections, an attempt is being made to weaken student politics,” Mishra said.
Direct student union elections have remained suspended for varying periods at several universities in Uttar Pradesh, citing concerns over violence and law-and-order issues.
In this year’s DUSU elections, the ABVP won the posts of president, secretary and joint secretary, while Independent candidate Deepanshu Shokeen won the vice-president’s post.
ABVP’s Yash Dabas defeated NSUI’s Vijay Shankar Meena by 2,053 votes for the president’s post, polling 24,576 votes against Meena’s 22,523. PTI JKY CDN PRK
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