NSUI, ABVP candidates get notices for poll code violation

The chief election officer of the University, Prof Chandra Shekhar Dubey, issued notices to the eight candidates -- four each from NSUI and ABVP -- seeking an explanation over why they were openly flouting norms.

The candidates that now face the threat of disqualification include the presidential candidates of both student outfits -- Arun Hooda of NSUI and Ankit Dhananjay Choudhary of ABVP -- as well as both parties' candidates for the posts of vice president, secretary and joint secretay.

They have been given 24 hours to respond to the notice.

A statement from the varsity's election authtority said that the notices have been issued for using printed material for the purpose of canvassing "which is the gross violation of the decision of the Hon'ble Supreme Court 2006 in respect of students' union election"

In 2009, when the Lyngdoh committee recommendations were new to campuses, as many as 5 candidates -- all from ABVP and NSUI -- had been disqualified from contesting elections on grounds of violations.

The statement cited the clauses of the Supreme Court mandated guidelines for student union elections as saying: "No candidate shall be permitted to make use of printed posters, printed pamphlet, or any other printed material for the purpose of canvassing. Candidates may only utilise handmade posters are procured within the expenditure limit set out herein above."

The other six candidates who have been asked to reply to the notice are AAA Varun Khari, AA Varun Chaudhary, Raveena Choudhary, AA Gaurav Choudhary, Ritu Rana, and AA Vishu Basoya.

The notice asks them to explain why action should not be taken against them since this is the violation of the Code of Conduct mandated by the Supreme Court of India.

"Further they are directed to file the reply within twenty four hours failing which suitable action shall be initiated," Dubey said in a statement.

The fate of the eight candidates will be decided after the election authority goes through their replies and explanations.

The student wings of the Congress and BJP are the main political forces in Delhi University's student politics and other groups, including Leftist outfits, have little or no presence on the campus.

In case, the candidates fail to satisfy the chief election officer, and are disqualified, the field would be left open for the independent candidates and Left parties.