The first Presidential debate for the Delhi University Students Union elections which was scheduled on Wednesday was called off due to security concerns after reports of clashes between various student outfits at three colleges, reports DNA. “In light of today’s events and considering security concerns, the presidential debate stands cancelled,” a member of the organising team said.
The report elaborated, “Last day of campaigning for the DUSU polls was marred by clashes between NSUI, CYSS and ABVP workers who accused each other of attacks and physical assault. NSUI is the students wing of the Congress, while the CYSS and ABVP are the students of the Aam Admi Party and BJP respectively. While NSUI accused CYSS workers of attacking their candidates at PGDAV college and injuring them, ABVP alleged that their volunteers were attacked by NSUI people while they were campaigning in Shradhanand college and Motilal Nehru College.”
An Injured ABVP Candidate. (Image Source: DU Beat)
According to DU Beat, the organization that was partly arranging the debate, “At around 10:15 am on Wednesday, NSUI supporters along with their presidential candidate Pradeep Vijayran and Vice Presidential candidate Prerna Singh were physically assaulted when they were campaigning at PGDAV College at Nehru Nagar. According to sources, 4-5 supporters along with the candidates were stopped from campaigning when volunteers of opposing parties arrived on the scene and tried to stop them. The police was reportedly present on the scene and were armed with iron rods. “They were men of ABVP’s candidate along with the brother of a CYSS candidate,” said Amit Pathania, a national secretary of NSUI. Pradeep Vijayran was rushed to AIIMS where he got 15 stitches and VP candidate Prerna Singh suffered an arm fracture. In other related events, ABVP candidate Satender Awana’s car was attacked reportedly by NSUI supporters in a suggested act of vengeance. His brother was assaulted with a brick at Swami Shraddhanand College. State Secretary Saket Bahuguna condemned the attack, saying, “CYSS attacked NSUI and spread rumours of ABVP’s involvement. Satender’s brother is in a hospital. There are cops posted everywhere in DU. The situation is a little tense.” Bahuguna accused CYSS of the attacks on NSUI.
DUSU elections are scheduled to be conducted on September 11, i.e. tomorrow, and the counting of votes will take place next day.