Graffitis, debates, singing pep up JNU student polls

Graffitis have changed the outlook of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) as have marches, debates and singing in the varsity otherwise known for its quiet environs, as the campus gears up for the students union polls.

Always a vibrant affair, eye-catching graffitis have been part and parcel of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) elections year after year.

Whether it is Left-wing All India Students' Association (AISA) unfurling its agenda through B.R. Ambedkar's pictures and teachings, or the Marxist Students' Federation of India (SFI) emphasising on incidents of violence against Dalit women to make its point - campaigning is on the upswing.

Tuesday's cheering, clapping and "Lal Salaam" sloganeering all around caught many visitors off-guard.

The Right-wing Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), a students wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, is highlighting corruption in its posters while the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) - the students' wing of the Congress - is harping on Mahatma Gandhi in its wall paintings.

The JNUSU elections, scheduled Sep 12, will see ballots being cast for the union president, vice president, general secretary and joint secretary.

Debates saw candidates raising issues of hostel accommodation, free WiFi on the campus, scholarships and women's safety and empowerment.

"We faced tear gas during the agitation after the Dec 16, 2012, Delhi gang rape and fought for freedom of girls," Chintu Kumari of AISA, contesting for general secretary, shouted on the microphone.

Asish Kumar Dhanotia of ABVP said: "We as an organisation have done a lot of work. We met the HRD minister and put forward our demand of providing more hostels, to which she (Smriti Irani) has agreed."