Delhi University has, for the first time, banned celebrities from campaigning for DUSU candidates, after the proctor’s office rejected ASAP’s application to host a roadshow featuring actors Shehnaaz Gill and Gippy Grewal on 27th August.
In what Delhi University officials are calling a first, has banned candidates contesting the DUSU elections 2026 from inviting celebrities for campaign roadshows. The decision came to the spotlight on 27th August after the Association of Students for Alternative Politics, the student wing of the Aam Aadmi Party, sought permission to hold a roadshow featuring actors and singers Shehnaaz Gill and Gippy Grewal.
The proposed event was expected to begin at Chattra Marg and pass through Ramjas College and Sri Ram College of Commerce between 4 PM and 7 PM, with an expected turnout of 100 to 150 people. The proctor’s office rejected the application the same day it was submitted. Two ASAP members also filed a separate application with Delhi Police. That application was later withdrawn by Kunal Tyagi, the roadshow’s organiser and ASAP’s probable DUSU candidate, citing “unavoidable circumstances.” ASAP state vice-president Abhishek Kumar maintained until late afternoon that the event would take place, but eventually informed Times of India that it was called off “because of rain.” Sources within the organisation said both celebrities had already reached the campus and were waiting for clearance. They were in Delhi to promote a film, Singh vs Kaur 2.
ASAP Delhi vice-president Kamal Tiwari alleged the ban was selectively applied. “The university in the past repeatedly allowed ABVP to invite celebrities and hold roadshows,” he said. The charge is not without precedent. In the run-up to the 2025 DUSU elections, ABVP presidential candidate Aryan Maan received video endorsements from Bollywood actors Sanjay Dutt and Randeep Hooda, while Haryanvi singer Masoom Sharma composed a campaign song for him and joined a rally.
A university official said the rejection was on grounds of traffic disruption and the Lyngdoh Committee guidelines, which prohibit the display of money and influence in student politics. The official said the university had decided not to allow any such roadshow in the interest of keeping elections strictly within those guidelines.
The celebrity ban sits within a broader tightening of DUSU campaign rules this year. The Delhi High Court intervened after widespread defacement during the 2024 elections and stayed the counting of votes until campaign material was cleared from campus, directing DU to impose tighter curbs.
Image source: DU Beat
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Abhishek Goverdhan
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