Handwritten slips replace posters as DUSU campaign rules tighten

Rows of black SUVs and students carrying handwritten name cards have become a familiar sight on Chhatra Marg as campaigning builds for the September 18 DUSU election.

ABVP and Congress-backed NSUI workers are using visiting-card-sized handwritten slips as DU restricts pamphlets and other printed material that can litter public spaces or damage university property. An ABVP member said a handwritten card costs at least Re 1, compared with 20-30 paise for a printed flyer, and that producing them is labour-intensive. Students in hostels and paying-guest accommodation have joined the informal effort to write the cards.

Campaigning is largely limited to designated “Walls of Democracy”. The DU proctor has asked each of its 54 colleges to create two 10x10-foot walls: one for DUSU campaigns and another for college-election material.

The university has capped campaign groups at five people on campus. Male campaigners cannot enter women’s colleges or hostels, except when they are candidates, while parking near North Campus, South Campus and colleges is prohibited. Candidates can use designated parking spaces, and nominations can be cancelled if supporters are found consuming alcohol or intoxicants on campus or in campaign vehicles.

With physical outreach constrained, candidates are also visiting colleges and using reels and other short social-media content. Nominations close on September 10.