Congress accuses Kejriwal of using money power in DUSU polls

The Congress on Thursday accused Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal of using money power in the Delhi University Student Union (DUSU) polls following his promises of higher education loans and free wi-fi in colleges.

The party termed them misuse of state machinery for political gains.

"It has become a habit of Arvind Kejriwal and his government, how to bend rules and talk of morality. The way the concert (DU Rock) was organised, it was like vitiating the whole atmosphere of the university," Congress leader Haroon Yusuf told news channel Times Now.

"They are making a misuse of government machinery for political gains. It had never happened in the past," he said.

"We were in the government for past 15 years and never ever we have participated in the elections this way. As Congressmen, we were always there to support them but we never used the government machinery to influence student votes," he added.

It also sought action and disqualification of Aam Aadmi Party's student wing Chhatra Yuva Sangharsh Samiti (CYSS), which is contesting the DUSU elections for the first time.

At a rock concert, organised by his ruling AAP, for students, Kejriwal had promised hassle-free loans up to Rs.10 lakh, one lakh jobs within a year and free wi-fi to students of Delhi University.

The DUSU polls' chief election officer confirmed they had received some complaints in this connection and these had been forwarded to the university's legal cell for consultation.

"Yes we have received a few complaints in this connection. We have taken cognizance of those complaints and before taking any action we have forwarded it to our legal cell for consultation," Chief Election Officer D.S. Rawat told IANS.

He also appealed to all the political parties not to involve themselves in the student union election.

"I appeal all the political parties to stay away from the DUSU elections as Lyngdoh Committee recommendations do not permit it," he added.

The AAP however said the chief minister was only listing his government's promises.

"It was a rock concert and the CM was the invitee. He just talked about government's promises and its achievements with the students," said AAP's Delhi convenor Dilip Pandey.