By Chandan Singh | Page 3 News Worldwide | New Delhi
NEW DELHI: The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), Delhi, organised a protest at the Faculty of Arts, University of Delhi, calling for the protection of democratic institutions, constitutional propriety and free and fair elections.
Held under the slogan “Stop Anarchy, Embrace Democracy”, the protest saw students voice opposition to what the organisation described as the “anarchist politics” of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). ABVP said democratic dissent and the right to question institutions were essential, but stressed that political differences should be addressed through meaningful dialogue rather than disorder.
Amid the ongoing debate over the role of the Election Commission of India, electoral fairness and the credibility of democratic institutions, ABVP emphasised that discussions concerning constitutional bodies must be guided by facts, reason and democratic principles.
The organisation maintained that a strong democracy depends on respect for constitutional institutions, fact-based debate and peaceful democratic processes. It also expressed concern over what it described as attempts to undermine public confidence in institutions in the name of political opposition.
Sarthak Sharma, State Secretary of ABVP Delhi, said democracy involved not only the right to protest but also the responsibility to express dissent within the framework of constitutional values.
“Questioning the country’s democratic institutions is an integral part of the democratic process, but promoting anarchy for political gains and creating confusion among the public cannot be acceptable,” Sharma said, adding that Delhi University students understood the distinction between democratic discourse and anarchy.
Yash Dabas, President of the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU), said the university was not merely an educational institution but also an important platform for democratic thought and national discourse.
He said students had the right to express their views and question issues of public importance, but democratic debate should not be equated with anarchy. Discussions concerning the Election Commission and other constitutional institutions, he added, should be based on facts, reason and constitutional principles.
The protest concluded with ABVP reiterating its call to strengthen democratic governance, uphold the dignity of constitutional institutions and resolve political differences through dialogue and responsible conduct.
