A violent brawl outside Miranda House College, Delhi University erupted when a group of students attempted to force their way into the campus. The incident occurred as the students were trying to campaign for the Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) election, scheduled for September 27.
Tensions escalated suddenly as the students’ aggressive approach met resistance, leading to a brawl outside Miranda House College. The situation highlighted the charged atmosphere surrounding the upcoming DUSU elections, where campaigning has been particularly intense.
Miranda House College Principal, Bijayalaxmi Nanda, clarified the brawl outside Miranda House College gates. According to her, the college election committee and the students’ union and the staff efficiently managed the events. She explained that several student candidates, primarily from outside, attempted to forcefully enter the campus. However, the situation was controlled, and the college permitted around three or four candidates, including women, to enter and continue their campaign, while the rest were kept outside.
Prof. Nanda further mentioned that she had received complaints from a few female students of the college regarding disorderly behaviour at the gate. However, she emphasised that there was no mention of harassment or physical injuries in these complaints. The college retained the complaints for their records and shared a copy with the Delhi Police to keep them informed.
In a statement, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) accused the National Student Union of India (NSUI) of instigating a scuffle. According to the ABVP, Ronak Khatri, the NSUI’s presidential candidate for the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU), along with a group of individuals referred to as “NSUI goons,” forcibly entered Miranda House College. The ABVP claims that the group broke the college gate in the process.
The ABVP further alleged that this action violated the DUSU constitution, which permits only four students to accompany a DUSU candidate into any college premises within Delhi University. Despite these regulations, the NSUI group, led by Khatri, reportedly disregarded the rules and entered Miranda House College unlawfully.
The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) has issued a statement condemning the recent actions of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) at Miranda House. NSUI expressed its concern over the welfare and safety of students, particularly female students, which they claim to prioritise above all. In contrast, they accuse ABVP of engaging in divisive and aggressive politics.
NSUI also criticised ABVP for allegedly attacking professors and submitting fraudulent degrees, which they suggest reflect the true nature of the organisation.
“This is propaganda framed by the ABVP against us.”
- Ravi Pandey, Chairman, NSUI.
The statement further emphasised that students at Miranda House have consistently rejected ABVP’s political agenda. According to NSUI, female students at the institution have repeatedly resisted ABVP’s attempts to push their narrative of hostility. They added that ABVP lacks the courage to confront the students of Miranda House directly.