Delhi University Scrubs Clean Campaign Posters Ahead of DUSU Polls

An effort was undertaken to clear campaign-related posters and banners from Delhi University to comply with a High Court order. This move came following a court order that halted vote counting until public defacement was addressed. Election day proceeded with heightened security and a cleaner campus.

In a major cleanup operation, Delhi University has initiated an extensive drive to remove campaign posters and banners scattered across its north campus by student organizations for the DUSU poll campaign.

On Thursday, the Delhi High Court put the counting of votes for the Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) elections on hold until all defacement materials, including posters, hoardings, and graffiti, are cleared and public property restored. The court's directive spurred immediate action.

Rajesh Singh, the returning officer for the elections, confirmed that the majority of the defacing materials violating rules have been removed and efforts were ongoing to finish the task. "Candidates have been directed to ensure any remaining materials are taken down," he said.

Voting took place with heavy security on Friday, and students noted a cleaner campus compared to previous days. "Large banners and posters were nearly removed overnight," said a student.

A bench comprising Chief Justice-designate Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela emphasized that the election process could proceed, but vote counting would be halted pending cleanup satisfaction. The counting was scheduled for Saturday.

Namrata Jeph Meena, an NSUI nominee, stated the cleanup demanded significant effort. "We pasted posters everywhere, but finding and removing them was a different challenge," she said.

The campus atmosphere remains charged as polling is underway, with students excitedly lining up to vote. Around 1.40 lakh students are eligible to vote, and 21 candidates are contesting for various positions.

(With inputs from agencies.)