New Delhi: Tensions are running high at Delhi University as the prestigious institution faces scrutiny for rejecting the nomination papers of the Fraternity Movement-BSF (Bhim Army Students Federation) alliance, a coalition representing Dalit and Muslim students, ahead of the upcoming student union elections scheduled for September 22.
The university authorities have chosen not to provide any explanation for the rejection of the papers submitted by the presidential candidate, Shailendra Singh, and the vice-presidential candidate, Yasin K. Mohammed.
Despite both candidates boasting strong academic records and satisfactory attendance, their aspirations to represent the student body have been dashed.
The Fraternity Alliance, alarmed and agitated by the university's actions, has accused the authorities of blatant discrimination against Dalit and Muslim students. The rejection of their candidates' papers has only served to fuel this perception.
This controversy comes after a three-year hiatus in student union elections due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the last contested elections held in 2019, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) secured victory in the roles of union president, vice president, and joint secretary.
In response to the rejection, activists from the Fraternity-BSF alliance staged a protest within the university campus on Saturday, demanding transparency and justice from the administration.
The reasons behind the rejection remain shrouded in mystery, leaving students and observers alike eager for answers and concerned about the fairness of the upcoming elections.