A poster war is on for the Delhi University Student's Union polls despite restrictions by an election commission panel
A poster war is on for the Delhi University Student's Union polls despite restrictions by an election commission panel
Election is all about maximum visibility, said a political worker ahead of the Delhi University Student's Union (DUSU) polls, slated for September 4.
And to ensure that each potential voter must see and read the name of their candidate, rival groups are sparing no effort to put as many posters as they can on the wall of the University. So what if the model code of conduct bars them from doing so.
"We have given the order of posters in bulk because our rivals tore them in the night. This is the time when we have to fight for space and visibility," said a student working as a secretary for a political party.
The student netas feel that the code of conduct as per the recommendations of the JM Lyngdoh committee is "impractical".
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Graffiti unlimited: Students passing by a wall plastered with posters of the candidates for the Delhi University Student's Union polls at Chhatra Marg, Delhi University, in New Delhi PICS/SUBHASH BAROLIA |
"The rules have to change. A candidate spends around Rs. 4000 just to get his photograph clicked. A good, attractive photograph wins half of the war. Every candidate spends around Rs. 40,000 on posters, which are pasted across the campus. We cannot do without posters," said another student.
If a candidate violates code of conduct he is liable to be stripped of his candidature or his elected post. The students have found a novel way to escape punishment. They put the posters one day and tore them the next.
A local sweeper said, "Everyday I have to clean the torn posters lying along the campus walls everyday. The posters are pasted and torn each day here."
Delhi University chief proctor Gurmeet Singh issued the notification to enforce the code of conduct on Wednesday. The code of conduct has 21 do and don'ts to be followed by the candidates during the elections. The elections are scheduled for September 4.
Net connect
The Delhi University authorities are launching a website to enable the candidates contesting for DUSU elections as well as the college students union polls to put across their views. The candidates can upload their propaganda on the website to be hosted by the DU Computer Centre.
Besides the website, candidates will also be allotted a fixed time on DU Community Radio 100.4 for campaigning.
The time slot and order shall be decided by draw of lots in the presence of contesting candidates, whose list shall be put up on August 27.
The Lyngdoh code>>Use of loudspeakers and vehicles for canvassing has also been prohibited.
>>Candidates can paste only hand-made posters at designated places (the Walls of Democracy) on the University or college campus.
>>The maximum expenditure has been kept at Rs.5,000.
>>Canvassing or use of propaganda within 100 metres of polling centres and holding public meetings during the period of 24 hours prior to polling time is prohibited.
>>Each candidate will have to submit audited accounts of Rs.5,000 to the University or college authorities within two weeks of the declaration of the result.
>>A candidate should not have any academic arrears in the year of contesting the election.
>>Candidates will have only one opportunity to contest for the post of an office-bearer and two chances to compete for the position of an executive member. No candidate will be allowed to contest simultaneously for more than one post.
>>Contestants should not have any previous criminal record.
>>Contravention of code of conduct may make the candidate liable to be stripped of his candidature or his elected post.
