Fake Degree Row: What Next For DUSU After Ankiv Baisoya’s Exit?
After Ankiv Baisoya resigned as DUSU president, all eyes are on Delhi University to see what happens next.
After Delhi University Students' Union (DUSU) President Ankiv Baisoya resigned from his post at Akhil Bharatiya Vishwa Parishad (ABVP) after instructions to step down on Thursday, 15 November, in connection with the fake degree case, all eyes are on Delhi University for its next course of action.
While the Congress' youth wing National Student Union of India (NSUI), who contested against ABVP, had two possible suggestions – that the runner-up be made the president or a fresh election be held – Chief Election Officer for DUSU election VK Kaul said he "had no information about anything", as reported by Indian Express.
Returning Officer (RO) of the a committee set up the DU elections, Pinky Sharma said, "DUSU vice-president Shakti Singh should take over as president."
On Friday, 16 November, NSUI issued a statement which called Baisoya's resignation "cynical" and "vindicative of the NSUI charge that he is a fraud".
Suggesting that there be fresh elections, NSUI said, "His (Baisoya) admission was based on fake certificate...Only 2 possibilities with the DU Admin: hold fresh elections or appoint the President runner up, Sunny Chillar from NSUI as DUSU President.”
The same was reiterated by All India Student Association president Kawalpreet Kaur, who said the timing of the action against Baisoya was "nothing but the explicit understanding between the ABVP and DU administration to keep ABVP in DUSU".
Congress President Rahul Gandhi took a dig at the fake degree row and tweeted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his ministers have shown that early entry in the BJP Cabinet is received by showing fake degree.
All India Congress Committee (AICC) Joint Secretary, National in-charge of NSUI, Ruchi Gupta tweeted on Friday, 16 November, "Based on legal advice, only 2 possibilities with the DU Admin: hold fresh elections or appoint the President runner up, Sunny Chhilar from NSUI as DUSU President."
She also said NSUI has provided unimpeachable legal arguments in support of their demand and failing to adhere to it by DU "will be just another shameful example of complete institutional capture by RSS and BJP," she said in another tweet.
The calls made by The Quint to Registrar of Delhi University Tarun Das for the next course of action were not answered.
(With inputs fro Indian Express)
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)