DUSU election counting continued under heavy security at Delhi University on Friday, with the NSUI leading the presidential race after four rounds and Independent candidate Deepanshu Shokeen ahead for vice-president. Police imposed traffic restrictions around the university as candidates, supporters and students gathered near the counting centre and other vulnerable points.
NSUI’s Vijay Shankar Meena was leading the presidential contest, followed by ABVP candidate Yash Dabas. The ABVP was ahead for secretary and joint secretary, with the NSUI in second place in both races. Shokeen, who contested independently after failing to secure an NSUI ticket, was leading the vice-presidential race, followed by the ABVP candidate.
More than 20 rounds of counting were expected before the results were completed. The Left alliance of AISA and SFI was trailing in all posts after the fourth round, according to the figures reported during the counting process.
The election recorded a turnout of 40.46% of eligible students on Friday, higher than the 29.7% recorded in 2024 and the 39.45% turnout in 2025. The contest has focused on student housing and women’s safety, alongside campaign strategies shaped by social media visibility, caste and regional identities, and the distribution of promotional freebies.
Housing has received particular attention after a building accommodating a private hostel at Satya Niketan, a student accommodation hub near Delhi University’s South Campus, collapsed on September 6, killing five students. Candidates raised student housing concerns in their manifestoes as the election took place under the shadow of the incident.
Campaign activity also extended from campus spaces to Instagram reels and other online videos. Parties used music videos, flash mobs, drone footage and personal appeals to reach voters. At Campus Law Centre, which includes Law Centre-I and Law Centre-II, party insiders said caste and regional identities had historically influenced voting patterns, with Jat, Gujjar and Yadav groups regarded as influential blocs. Candidates from Purvanchal and other regions also featured prominently in the contest.
Police imposed restrictions on stretches including Chhatra Marg, Probyn Road and University Road to regulate movement around the university. Delhi Police coordinated with university authorities and college administrations to manage entry and exit and control crowds. Pickets and barricades were placed at college gates and other strategic points, while foot patrols, motorcycle units and PCR vans were deployed across the campus, Joint Commissioner of Police, Central Range, Madhur Verma said.
The security arrangements will remain in place through the counting process and the declaration of the final results.
