“400 Paar Hogaya Fail”: Delhi University Students Cheers BJP's Symbolic Defeat, Eyes Inclusive Future

New Delhi- The recently announced results of Lok Sabha elections has shocked everyone. BJP did not reach the majority mark on its own and will be forming a coalition government. For many, the results decisively point towards one important fact, that elections cannot be fought on communal lines.

Taking the verdict as a symbolic victory of liberalism and inclusivity, students from All India Students’ Association of Delhi University organized a ‘Vijay Juloos’ to commemorate the results.

Initially, the celebratory march was planned to traverse the entire north campus. However, due to police supervision and lack of permission, the students had to restrict the celebration to gate no. 4 of the arts faculty in north campus.

Additionally, police had arrived at the location before the students could assemble, prompting one student to crack a joke, suggesting that there might as well be a perpetual Section 144 imposed on university grounds.

But that did not dampen the joy among the students. Soon, more than thirty students organized themselves, carrying a banner that boldly declared, "Hum Gulami ki Antim Hadon Tak Ladenge" (We will fight to the last limits of slavery). Accompanied by the rhythmic beats of drums, their enthusiasm was palpable.

The entire area was alive with fervor and excitement, creating an atmosphere that could inspire nearly everyone present. The energy and determination of the students served as a powerful reminder of the potential every common citizen holds.

It emphasized the importance of standing firm against corporate and ideological pressures, encouraging individuals to resist giving in to external influences that seek to undermine their values and rights.

The rhythmic drumbeat provided much needed hype to the crowd.

Amid the passionate sloganeering, one particularly distinct chant echoed through the crowd: "400 paar hogaya fail." This slogan referred to the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) ambition of securing more than 400 seats in the Lok Sabha elections, an outcome that did not materialize.

The students saw this electoral result as a significant victory for democracy. They believed that the suppression of dissent was a growing concern under the BJP's rule, and the failure to achieve a sweeping majority represented a check on the party's power. According to the students, dissent is a fundamental aspect of a healthy democracy, and the recent election results reinforced this principle.

For them, the emergence of a coalition government was a hopeful sign. They argued that such a government would be more balanced and accountable, preventing any single party from exerting unchecked influence. This coalition, in their view, would serve as a safeguard against the erosion of democratic values and ensure that diverse voices and perspectives continued to be heard and respected in the political arena.

The students' spirited participation and vocal advocacy underscored their commitment to these democratic ideals, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a system where power is distributed, and dissent is not only tolerated but encouraged.

During this, The Mooknayak talked to some of the student leaders present at the place.

“Even though BJP won, it almost feels like a loss to the party,” said Shantanu, president of AISA’s Delhi University chapter.

He elaborated, “This mandate is crucial because, over time, there has been no space for any dissenting voice, which hampers democracy. The ability to criticize and voice differing opinions is fundamental to a functioning democracy, and without it, we risk authoritarianism.”

Shantanu further criticized the environment on college campuses, stating, “The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad has been given a free hand to practice violence in college campuses, and no one could say anything. Even the administration of colleges has links to the BJP-RSS nexus. This has created a culture of fear and repression among students who wish to express their opinions freely.”

Abhisekh, a second-year law student, emphasized the broader impact of the government’s actions on the public. “From Rohith Vemula’s death to the Delhi pogrom, many bouts of violence were orchestrated,” he alleged. “These incidents reflect a pattern of systematic violence and suppression orchestrated by those in power. The voters decided that this will not continue and chose not to give the BJP a popular mandate.”

Abhisekh also criticized the BJP's campaign strategies, saying, “During the campaign, instead of talking about policies and issues that affect the common people, the ruling party decided to focus on communal agendas. This diversion from substantive issues to communal rhetoric was a clear attempt to polarize the electorate. However, the voters saw through this and opted for a more inclusive and democratic approach.”

Calling the mandate "hopeful," Anjali, secretary of AISA DU, stated that the government, which had declared its intention to "change the constitution" if re-elected, has been thwarted by not securing a majority. She emphasized that this outcome represents a victory against hate and injustice.

Anjali highlighted several key election losses as significant wins for justice and democracy. She pointed out that Prajwal Revanna of Janata Dal (Secular) lost his seat amidst accusations of rape and recording over 3,000 assault videos. BJP's Union Minister Ajay Mishra Teni, linked to the Lakhimpur Kheri violence where his convoy allegedly killed four farmers, also lost his bid for a third term. Additionally, BJP cabinet minister Smriti Irani, accused of harassing reporters and implicated in the death of Dalit scholar Rohith Vemula, lost her seat.

“These losses,” Anjali asserted, “are not just electoral defeats for these individuals but also a broader rejection of hate, violence, and injustice. The voters have chosen to uphold democratic values and human rights, sending a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated.”