07 September,2009 12:53 PM IST | | Amit Singh
Says the new Delhi University president, who aspires for a serious political career after his success in the varsity elections
What money failed to do during the Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) election this year, caste did. And the newly elected DUSU president, Manoj Chaudhary, accepts the fact. Speaking to MiD DAY, the 23-year-old confessed that support from the Gujjar community helped him bag the post with a narrow margin of 11 votes on Saturday. He also reveals his aspiration to become a reputed politician.
Excerpts from an interview:
Manoj Chaudhary, DUSU president PIC/SUBHASH BAROLIA
In about two decades, you are only the second Independent candidate to have won the DUSU top post. In 1991, Rajiv Goswami, riding the Mandal Commission wave, had been elected DUSU president. What went in your favour?
Fighting and winning the election, as an Independent candidate is very significant. But I was never alone. I had the support of my friends in DU. I was constantly encouraged by everyone. Above all, I had the backing of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). The recommendations of the Lyngdoh Committee were strictly followed this year as well. That too helped me defeat the big fish.
Two days before the election you met some senior Congress leaders. What was the motive behind the visit?
I regard the National Student's Union Of India (NSUI) and the ABVP equally. My father and grandfather had been associated with NSUI. So, most of the party's senior members know me. It is a part of our culture to take blessings of elders before starting any new project. I was just following that.u00a0
What is the first challenge you will take up?
Both the North and South campus lack Metro feeder bus service. My first task will be to solve this problem. We have been demanding this service since long and have even held protests. However, nothing has been done so far.
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Also, DU students are devoid of good and relevant libraries. I have to work for it.u00a0u00a0
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Caste plays a vital role in national elections. Do you think it was a deciding factor in DUSU polls too?
Caste factor did play a very important role this year. I belong to the Gujjar community and students of the community helped me in every way. But this doesn't mean students of other castes did not support me. After the results were declared, I received hundreds of congratulatory messages from students of all communities.
Did you try any fancy photo shoot to attract eyeballs?
No. I was busy campaigning and I think that was more important. But, I feel if I had done that the number of votes could have gone up dramatically.
Do you see your success at DU as the stepping-stone to a long-lasting political career?
Yes, definitely it will shape my political career. DUSU and JNU elections have always been a stepping-stone for bigger moves. I have rejected a job offer of Rs 8 lakh at HCL to enter politics.
