Meet Riya Chhawdi, ABVP’s New DUSU Secretary: From Farmer’s Family To Basketball, Student Politics

Last Updated:September 19, 2026, 6:13 PM IST

Riya Chhawdi, an ABVP candidate from Sri Aurobindo College, has won the DUSU Secretary post.

Riya Chhawadi Wins DUSU Secretary Post.

Riya Chhawdi has emerged as one of the prominent student leaders in the 2026 Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections after contesting the Secretary post on the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) panel.

The DUSU election results were declared on Saturday, with ABVP winning three of the four central posts. ABVP candidates secured the President, Secretary and Joint Secretary positions, while Independent candidate Deepanshu Shokeen won the Vice-President post. Chhawdi won the Secretary’s election with 21,650 votes.

Chhawdi hails from Modband village in Badarpur, Delhi, and comes from a farming family. She is a student of Sri Aurobindo College, University of Delhi, where she is pursuing the fourth year of the B.A. Programme. Besides her involvement in student politics, she has also represented her college in inter-college basketball.

Riya Chhawadi’s DUSU Campaign

Before the election, Chhawdi was part of ABVP’s four-member panel for the DUSU polls, alongside presidential candidate Yash Dabas, vice-presidential candidate Ishu Maurya and joint-secretary candidate Lakshya Raj Singh. The panel was formally announced ahead of the September 18 election.

During the campaign, issues concerning women’s safety and student accommodation featured prominently in ABVP’s agenda. Chhawdi said students should not have to compromise on their safety or education because of inadequate basic facilities. She also highlighted the need for greater hostel capacity and a safer campus environment.

ABVP’s election manifesto also focused on accommodation, women’s safety, student participation, academic reforms and career opportunities. Its proposals included expanding hostel facilities, safety measures for women students, more transparent examinations and results, placement and internship support, and other student-welfare measures.

From College Student To DUSU Secretary

Chhawdi’s profile combines academics, sports and student politics. Her background in inter-college basketball and her ongoing undergraduate studies at Sri Aurobindo College have been highlighted in reports on the DUSU election candidates.

Her victory places her among the newly elected student representatives who will take charge of the Delhi University Students’ Union for the 2026-27 term.

Quick Answers

Powered by

Ask News18

Who won the Secretary post in the 2026 DUSU elections?

Riya Chhawdi won the DUSU Secretary post as part of the ABVP panel, securing 21,650 votes.

What key issues did ABVP focus on during the 2026 DUSU campaign?

ABVP prioritized women’s safety, student accommodation, hostel expansion, transparent examinations, and campus welfare measures.

What were the results of the 2026 Delhi University Students Union elections?

ABVP won three of the four central panel posts including the President, Secretary, and Joint Secretary, while an independent candidate won the Vice-President position.

Powered by

Ask News18

About the Author

Pragya Bahuguna

Pragya Bahuguna is a digital journalist at News18.com, covering national and international news, including Indian politics and geopolitics, with an interest in environment and climate affairs. She hol…Read More

Read More