With the polling day less than a month away for the Delhi Assembly elections, contrasting campaigns are underway at the two major campuses in the Capital — Delhi University (DU) and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU).
At DU, the intensity of student-led campaigning mirrors its role as a microcosm of Delhi’s broader political scene. Student bodies such as the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the Chhatra Yuva Sangharsh Samiti (CYSS), and the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) are leveraging the campus’s openness and large electorate to drive voter awareness.
“DU’s open campus and diverse student body make it a hub for political engagement,” Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) Secretary Mitravinda Karanwal said. “Our Lokmat Pariskar initiative is all about educating first-time voters and encouraging informed choices. We want students to focus on candidates’ work, not their money laundering cases or alcohol scandals.”
In contrast, at JNU, where state elections hold less sway, the approach reflects its entrenched Left identity and academic ethos.
JNU Students’ Union (JNUSU) President Dhananjay, a member of the All India Students’ Association (AISA), highlighted this difference. “JNU does not directly feel the impact of the Delhi Assembly elections, as the state government has no role in its administration,” Dhananjay said. “Our focus is on combating hate politics through posters and social media urging voters to reject divisive rhetoric and uphold secular values.”
The strong presence of Leftist groups like AISA and the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) further shapes JNU’s electoral engagement. These organisations often prioritise ideological campaigns over direct participation in electoral processes, emphasising broader political education.
At DU, however, mainstream political groups remain highly active. The CYSS, Aam Aadmi Party’s student wing, plans to launch its campaign after candidate nominations on January 18.
“We are organising a signature drive at college gates and metro stations, as well as classroom visits to engage first-time voters,” said CYSS secretary Kamal Tiwari. “Our goal is to highlight AAP’s achievements, such as scholarships for studying abroad, and incorporate student suggestions into the party manifesto.”
The Congress-affiliated NSUI, meanwhile, is focusing on strengthening its booth-level outreach. Ravi Pandey, chairman of NSUI’s Media Department, emphasised the importance of connecting with young voters.
“Our efforts aim to ensure that the Congress manifesto reaches every student,” Pandey said. “We’re addressing key concerns and presenting a vision for youth, especially since many of our candidates are former NSUI leaders.”
The contrast in campaigning intensity also stems from the differing campus layouts and demographics. DU’s sprawling network of colleges, with its open layout and significant Delhi-based student population, fosters large-scale, dynamic campaigns. In comparison, JNU’s smaller, centralised campus and limited local electorate lend themselves to more focused, issue-driven initiatives.
Even within JNU, the ABVP’s Lokmat Pariskar campaign lacks the vigor it enjoys at DU. “JNU is very different in terms of scale and political culture,” an ABVP source said. “While we are active here, the campaign doesn’t have the same energy as at DU or during the Lok Sabha elections.”
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