Students' bodies step up membership drive for polls

NEW DELHI: With Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections all set to be held on September 7, the political organisations of students have swung into action. Kickstarting the preparations for the election, both the major political organisations — Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and National Students Union of India (NSUI) — have launched a massive membership drive in various colleges of Delhi University.

Both ABVP and NSUI have claimed over a thousand new members. Secretary of Delhi NSUI, Monu Shakeel said: ‘‘Though we have not yet counted the number of folios deposited at our party headquarters, estimate suggests over a thousand students have accepted our membership.’’

To reach to a greater number of students before the September 7 election, executive members of these political outfits have been assigned their responsibilities. Jugal Kishore, president of north campus unit of NSUI said: ‘‘Delhi has been divided into eight districts and separate in-charge for all districts has been appointed. Further, each district has been divided into blocks and units with separate functionaries to look after them.’’

The ABVP said that a central team consisting of important functionaries, has been specially set up to oversee the elections, ABVP has divided the city into seven separate zones so that the campaign can be carried out more efficiently.

While, NSUI is yet to workout its agenda, which they say will focus on the achievements of DUSU in past one year, ABVP is gearing up to attack the NSUI. NSUI holds three out of four positions in DUSU. Even the outfits affiliated to Left parties have also geared up for the election. ‘‘Our aim is to highlight the issue of scholarship for needy students even at the undergraduate level. We will also ask for double shifts in all colleges,’’ said Rohit, SFI Delhi unit vice-president.