New Delhi । In a major show of student unity, over 15,000 students and elected student union representatives from leading universities and colleges across India gathered in New Delhi on Wednesday under the call of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), reaffirming their commitment to democracy and constitutional values under the slogan ‘Stop Anarchy, Embrace Democracy’. The gathering, described as a ‘Mahakumbh’ of student power, brought together student leaders and students from Delhi, Punjab, Ladakh, Uttarakhand, Odisha, Assam and the Northeast, representing the mandate and aspirations of millions of students. The event was part of ABVP’s nationwide campaign against political anarchy and attempts to undermine democratic institutions. Following the successful organisation of ‘Chhatra Garjana’ rallies in several states, the Delhi gathering gave a national platform to elected student representatives to collectively assert that democratic mandates must be respected and constitutional institutions protected.
Among the prominent participants were Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) President Yash Dabas, Secretary Riya Chhawdi and Joint Secretary Lakshya Raj Singh; Panjab University Students’ Union President Ankit Bhidaan and former President Gauraveer Sohal; elected representatives from the University of Ladakh; DAV PG College, Dehradun Students’ Union President Navdeep Rana; Utkal University Students’ Union President Abhiram; Gauhati University Students’ Union President Manas Pratim Kalita; and former Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) Joint Secretary Vaibhav Meena, along with other elected student representatives from across the country. The participants emphasised that democracy goes beyond elections and requires respect for the people’s mandate, institutional credibility, constructive political engagement and adherence to constitutional procedures.
ABVP National General Secretary Dr. Virendra Singh Solanki said, “India’s democratic strength rests on the people’s mandate, the Constitution and the credibility of its institutions. Criticism of the government and political dissent are integral to democracy, but creating distrust in electoral processes and constitutional institutions for political gains is deeply unfortunate. Rahul Gandhi and the Opposition must explain why allegations concerning elections are being amplified through political campaigns instead of being substantiated before the appropriate constitutional authorities. Democracy cannot function on the basis of allegations, political narratives or street pressure; it thrives on constitutional accountability and institutional respect. Rahul Gandhi speaks about ‘Smash the Patriarchy’ and women’s leadership, but these principles must also be reflected in the internal functioning of the Congress.
Women’s empowerment must translate into meaningful decision-making roles, not remain confined to political speeches. Governments in India are formed and changed through the people’s votes, not through mob pressure or anarchy. The situations in Bangladesh and Nepal cannot become a model for India’s democratic future. India’s youth believe in constitutional democracy, national responsibility and democratic participation. Today’s gathering of elected student representatives from across the country reflects that confidence. ABVP will continue to defend democratic institutions and constitutional values through peaceful and democratic means.”
ABVP Delhi State Secretary Sarthak Sharma said, “Today’s gathering is a strong expression of young India’s faith in democracy. Student representatives elected through democratic processes have a responsibility to strengthen healthy political discourse, constructive engagement and democratic traditions on their campuses. Universities are not merely centres of education; they are institutions that nurture future leadership and shape the country’s democratic consciousness. Student power stands for dialogue, discipline and democratic values, not anarchy. Through this gathering, elected representatives from across India have sent a clear message that constitutional institutions and democratic conventions must be respected.”
DUSU President Yash Dabas said, “We have reached our respective positions through the trust and mandate of students, and we understand the responsibility that comes with this mandate. Democracy gives space to disagreement and dissent, but it does not permit anarchy or attempts to weaken constitutional institutions. The youth of India want positive change, national unity and a democratic environment on university campuses. All representatives present here have resolved to strengthen democratic dialogue, discipline and constitutional values in their respective institutions.”