DU Elections: Campus Leaders Who Launched India’s Political Careers

Delhi University has long served as a launchpad for India’s political leaders. From Arun Jaitley to Rekha Gupta, many prominent figures began their journey through DUSU elections, honing leadership skills and building networks before stepping onto national and state political stages. As this year’s polls unfold, North Campus once again becomes the arena where future politicians take their first steps.

Student politics at DU spans lecture halls, dormitories, and lawns, where debates, coalitions, and campaigns form early lessons in governance and strategy. For many, it is the first real experience of public life, a foundation that often shapes careers in Parliament and state legislatures.

Notable DU Alumni in Politics

1. Arun Jaitley – DUSU President 1974-75 (ABVP). A commerce and law student, Jaitley leveraged campus leadership and debate skills to become Union Finance and Law Minister.

2. Ajay Maken – DUSU President 1985-86 (NSUI). His chemistry studies at DU preceded a senior Congress leadership career, including ministerial positions.

3. Alka Lamba – DUSU President 1995-96 (NSUI). Her early campus work paved the way for her role in Delhi politics, party offices, and grassroots organisation.

4. Vijay Goel – DUSU President 1977-78 (ABVP, SRCC alumnus). He later became a Parliamentarian and central government minister.

5. Rekha Gupta – DUSU President 1996-97 (ABVP). A trailblazer for women in student politics, she advanced to hold office in Delhi’s political sphere.

6. Anil Jha Vats – DUSU President 1997-98 (ABVP). Known for steady campus leadership, he later contributed to state politics and party organisation.

7. Nupur Sharma – DUSU President 2008-09 (ABVP). Her student-politics experience led to a national spokesperson role and party media leadership.

8. Mohit Nagar – DUSU President 2014-15 (ABVP). Campus politics gave him visibility and continued involvement in youth political work.

9. Rocky Tuseed (Tushir) – DUSU President 2017-18 (NSUI). His win during ABVP dominance reflected changing student voting trends; he remains active in student issues.

10. Sudhanshu Mittal – DUSU President 1981-82 (ABVP). Later a BJP spokesperson, his early campus leadership underscores the significance of DUSU experience.

Delhi University elections continue to be a formative arena for India’s political talent, demonstrating how student leadership often translates into long-term influence at higher levels of governance.