Students queuing up to cast their votes at Miranda House on September 18, 2026.
| Photo Credit: Sushil Kumar Verma
The Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections recorded a voter turnout of 40.46% across 52 polling stations as of 10.30 p.m. on Friday (September 18, 2026), the highest in the past three years, with around 1.51 lakh students casting their votes, a university official said. The figure was subject to change as the final turnout was still being calculated, the official added.
Last year, the turnout stood at 39.5%, significantly higher than the previous year’s 30%.
‘Smooth conduct’
DU Proctor Manoj Kumar Singh said polling was conducted smoothly and there was no violence. “We are hoping that counting will begin as planned,” he said. Asked about violations, he acknowledged that printed campaign material had been used despite several warnings.
The polling took place in two phases, from 8.30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. In the first phase, the voter turnout stood at 36%. Counting will take place on Saturday (September 19, 202^), and the results will be announced as soon as counting is completed, the official said.
Ban on processions
The Delhi High Court on Friday (September 18, 2026) banned victory processions after the declaration of election results, directing Delhi Police to ensure that no such procession is held on roads, inside colleges or hostels. The court warned that any violation would invite criminal and administrative action against the erring students and amount to contempt of court.
Prof. Raj Kishore Sharma, the DUSU Chief Election Officer (CEO), issued a circular based on the High Court order. The notice read, “All persons must desist from organising or participating in any procession, rally, parade, or similar public demonstration that may disrupt public order or traffic or violate the court order.”
The biggest issue
Outside Hindu College in North Campus, two first-year students said “dirty politics” should be reduced. Raghvendra Kaushal said, “Lack of hostels is the biggest issue for us. We think that since ABVP is in power and they have government backing, they should be doing more.”
Aashika, who goes by her first name and is studying in the university’s Faculty of Law, said, “What we need is canteens and metro concession passes. But nothing changes.”
The hostel issue featured prominently in manifestos this year and was a talking point among students even as they went to cast their votes on Friday.
Meanwhile, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad and the National Students’ Union of India traded charges, accusing each other of attempting to influence the electoral process.
Published – September 18, 2026 09:04 am IST
