The ABVP and the NSUI have traded allegations of attacks and intimidation involving their members and candidates
NEW DELHI: With Delhi University set to vote for its students’ union on September 18, the ABVP and National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) have traded allegations of attacks and intimidation involving their members and candidates, with both student organisations demanding police action.
It said women student members were also present at the residence when the alleged incident took place. ABVP Delhi State secretary Sarthak Sharma said, “NSUI must explain why its workers reached the residence of ABVP members and attacked them despite women student activists being present there. ” Sharma further noted, “The Congress leadership must clarify its political accountability for the activities of its youth and student organisations. ” NSUI Media Incharge Ravi Pandey said, “This is a desperate attempt to create fear and violence just before the DUSU elections.
The ABVP alleged that several individuals fled the spot after the alleged attack, while one person was apprehended by its members and handed over to the police. It further claimed that the apprehended person admitted to being part of NSUI’s social media cadre. ABVP members were holding a peaceful meeting and had not provoked anyone. One person who was fleeing after the attack was apprehended and handed over to the police. ABVP did not take the law into its own hands; instead, we handed the individual over to the police. ABVP will not be intimidated by violence or pressure. We demand an impartial police investigation and strict legal action against all those involved, along with adequate measures to ensure the safety of students. The facts of the incident can also be verified from the local police. We demand immediate intervention and strict action by the Delhi Police to ensure the safety of our candidates and students. Such hooliganism cannot be allowed in a democratic student election. The NSUI, in its statement, appealed to the Delhi Police and university authorities to take immediate steps to ensure peace and security during the election process.