New Delhi: The last day of campaigning for the Delhi University Students’ Union elections on Tuesday saw strict security arrangements across campuses, with deployment of paramilitary forces, barricades restricting car movement and police personnel with batons and tear gas, as clashes broke out at Kirori Mal College.A scuffle erupted between the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) ahead of an event organised by the latter, where Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai was slated to address students to rally support for the Congress’ student wing. Both sides have accused each other of instigating violence.Police said an altercation took place between the student groups outside the college during campaigning, but no formal complaint was received.The enhanced deployment was aimed at ensuring order on the final day of canvassing, which usually witnesses intense activity. Police teams were stationed at college gates and on arterial roads connecting North Campus, while movement of private vehicles was curtailed.Meanwhile, the office of the proctor issued an advisory to all college principals cautioning that certain candidates attempted to lure students with promises of free outings. The advisory noted that buses were being parked outside college gates to transport students, particularly female students, to activities such as movies and adventure parks. “If any student leaves the college in such buses and an unfortunate mishap occurs, the college authorities will be held fully accountable,” the advisory said.With voting scheduled for Sept 18 and counting on the next day, the university officials said security will continue to remain tight. Canvassing is allowed till 8am on Wednesday.
