NEW DELHI: The Aam Aadmi Party’s student wing, Association of Students for Alternative Politics (ASAP), has strongly condemned the Delhi University (DU) administration’s recent order mandating a ₹1 lakh bond for students contesting the upcoming Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections.
The group labelled the directive a “Tughlaqi farman” and an attempt to keep middle-class students out of the electoral process.
Speaking at a press conference, ASAP Delhi State President Kuldeep Bidhuri alleged that the order, issued on August 8, was “nothing but a conspiracy to directly block middle-class students from contesting elections.”
He claimed that such measures would ensure only wealthy candidates could participate, questioning how an ordinary student could arrange ₹1 lakh, especially if filing for multiple posts.
ASAP leader Praveen Chaudhary called the move “a huge wall erected against aspiring candidates” and said the students’ union was meant to be a platform for service, not a playground for the rich. “Where will a student get ₹1 lakh from?” he asked.
ASAP Delhi State Vice President Paash Sherwani said the organisation had consistently raised student issues—from admission hurdles and library fees to metro fare concessions—and would stand “firmly with DU students” on this matter as well.
Zakir Husain College Unit President Shailesh Yadav criticised the “bond system” as akin to auctioning seats, pointing to past fee hikes and inadequate student facilities. He warned that unless the administration withdrew the order, ASAP would join students in mass protests.
ASAP leaders have demanded immediate withdrawal of the directive, warning the DU Vice Chancellor and administration that failure to do so would result in escalated agitation.
