The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), India’s largest student organization, has intensified its protests across Delhi University colleges against what it calls anti-student policies by the administration. At the heart of the agitation is the imposition of a Rs 1 lakh refundable election bond on candidates contesting Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections, a move ABVP says undermines democracy and excludes ordinary students from participation. Alongside the bond issue, ABVP has also raised its voice against arbitrary fee hikes, lack of basic facilities, and the absence of accountability mechanisms within campuses.
One-Day All College Protest Against Election Bond
ABVP organized a massive “One-Day All College Protest” across Delhi University on Saturday, Students from almost every college participated in demonstrations, raising slogans against the election bond and demanding immediate withdrawal of the policy.
ABVP Delhi State Secretary Sarthak Sharma highlighted the anger among students, stating: “The Rs 1 lakh election bond is discriminatory and prevents ordinary students from contesting DUSU elections. It is against the spirit of democracy. Along with this, fee hikes, unsafe campuses, and non-functional Internal Complaint Committees (ICCs) are issues that cannot be ignored any longer.”
During the protests, students submitted memorandums to their respective principals. Their demands included:
Withdrawal of the Rs 1 lakh bond for DUSU candidates.
Rollback of arbitrary fee hikes across colleges.
Provision of safe drinking water and basic amenities.
Stronger security for female students.
Improved sports facilities with proper equipment and coaches.
Transparency in ICCs to ensure justice and accountability.
Indefinite Sit-In at Faculty of Arts
These protests are not isolated events but part of a larger movement. Since July 21, 2025, ABVP-led DUSU has been holding an indefinite sit-in protest at the Faculty of Arts, demanding immediate redressal of long-pending student issues.
The sit-in was launched after the massive “Chhaatra Adhikaar March”, which began from the School of Open Learning and culminated at the Faculty of Arts. Thousands of students participated in the march, raising their voice against fee hikes and demanding equal opportunities for all.
The key demands of the ongoing sit-in include:
One Course, One Fee policy across all postgraduate courses.
Establishment of a centralized hostel allocation system to ensure fairness.
Proper functioning of Internal Complaint Committees across DU colleges.
Rollback of arbitrary fee hikes that burden students unnecessarily.
While the university administration has responded positively to the demand for centralized hostel allocation, it has remained silent on most of the other pressing issues.
National ABVP Leadership Extends Support
ABVP’s movement at Delhi University has drawn support from its national leadership as well. Dr. Virendra Singh Solanki, National General Secretary of ABVP, visited the protest site to express solidarity with the students.
He strongly criticized the university administration, remarking: “Delhi University is one of the most prestigious institutions in the country, yet its students are denied basic rights. Reforms like centralized hostel allocation are welcome but incomplete unless fee rationalization, safe campuses, and functional ICCs are also ensured. This is not just a protest, it is a fight for dignity, equity, and accountability in the university system.”
His presence added momentum to the movement, reaffirming ABVP’s commitment to lead from the front on student-centric issues.
Broader Struggle for Student Rights
For ABVP, the protests are not just about one election bond or fee hike they represent a broader struggle for fairness and inclusivity in higher education. Students continue to highlight that despite Delhi University’s status as a premier institution, basic facilities like clean drinking water, safe campuses, and fair grievance redressal remain inadequate.
ABVP’s ability to mobilize students across all colleges has once again positioned it as the primary voice of student struggles at Delhi University. The movement has also drawn attention to how arbitrary policies risk alienating ordinary students and eroding the democratic spirit of student representation.
A Fight Beyond Bonds and Fees
The wave of protests led by ABVP across Delhi University has sparked a much-needed debate on the accessibility and inclusiveness of higher education. The Rs 1 lakh election bond, fee hikes, and lack of basic facilities have become symbols of the administration’s disconnect from student realities.
ABVP has made it clear that it will not relent until every demand from transparent ICCs to affordable fees is addressed comprehensively. For thousands of DU students, the struggle is not just about immediate reforms but about ensuring that one of India’s most prestigious universities lives up to its reputation of fairness, equality, and academic excellence.
As the sit-in continues and pressure mounts, the question remains: will Delhi University’s administration finally listen to its students?
