New Delhi, Aug 13 (UNI) The Aam Aadmi Party’s student wing, the Association of Students for Alternative Politics (ASAP), has strongly opposed Delhi University’s recent directive requiring candidates contesting student union elections to submit a Rs 1 lakh bond.
The group has termed the move a “conspiracy to exclude middle-class students” from the democratic process. At a press conference, ASAP Delhi State President Kuldeep Bidhuri criticized the decision, calling it a “Tughlaqi farman” (arbitrary decree) and questioning how ordinary students could afford such an amount.
“This is a deliberate attempt to prevent middle-class students from participating in elections. If a student files nominations for all four posts, where will they arrange Rs 4 lakh?” he asked.
Praveen Chaudhary, another ASAP leader, argued that student elections should be about service, not financial capability. “Not every student can arrange Rs 1 lakh. This rule creates an unfair barrier for aspiring candidates,” he said.
ASAP Delhi State Vice President Paash Sherwani reiterated the group’s commitment to student issues, citing past protests over admission difficulties, library fees, and metro fare hikes.
“We have always stood with students and will continue to raise their concerns,” he said. Shailesh Yadav, ASAP’s Zakir Husain College unit president, accused the DU administration of imposing “dictatorship” on students.
“First, they increased course fees, then library charges, and now this bond system. Is this a tender process or an auction?” he questioned. The student body has demanded an immediate withdrawal of the bond requirement, warning of protests if the administration fails to act.
“If this unfair rule is not revoked, we will ensure students’ voices reach the authorities through strong opposition,” Yadav said. The Delhi University administration has yet to respond to the criticism.
