DUSU polls: Presidential debate called off due to security concerns

New Delhi, Sep 9: The first Presidential debate for the Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) elections which was scheduled on Wednesday was called off due to security concerns after reports of clashes between various student outfits at three colleges.

While the 'Presidential debate', a night-long event conducted in the style of the US Presidential debate, is the biggest highlight of the students elections at Jawaharlal Nehru University, but there is no such provision in the DUSU Constitution for the same.

But a group of students were planning to organise the first Presidential debate independent of the university. While the university had called it to be a violation of varsity norms, the venue was booked and invites were sent for the event where all the Presidential nominees in fray were supposed to give speeches followed by a round of questions.

"In light of today's events and considering security concerns, the presidential debate stands cancelled," a member of the organising team said.

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.

DUSU elections are scheduled on September 11 and the counting of votes will take place next day. Meanwhile, the Presidential debate at JNU which will also go to polling on the same day, is scheduled tonight.

PTI