New Delhi, April 28, 2025 – The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) elections for the 2024-25 academic year concluded with a vibrant display of student democracy, as the All India Students’ Association (AISA) and Democratic Students’ Front (DSF) alliance clinched three of the four central panel posts, while the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) made significant inroads by securing the joint secretary position and claiming a majority of councillor seats. The results, announced on April 28, followed a high-stakes polling process on April 25 that saw a robust 70% voter turnout among the 7,906 eligible students.
The AISA-DSF alliance emerged strong, with Nitish Kumar (AISA) elected as president, Manisha (DSF) as vice president, and Munteha Fatima (DSF) as general secretary. Vaibhav Meena (ABVP) won the joint secretary post, marking a notable achievement for the RSS-affiliated group after a decade without a central panel victory. ABVP also claimed to have secured 24 out of 44 councillor seats across various schools and special centres, though official confirmation from the Election Committee (EC) is still pending.
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This year’s elections were marked by a significant realignment in campus politics, with the traditionally dominant United Left fracturing. AISA’s split from its long-standing allies, the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) and All India Students’ Federation (AISF), and its new alliance with DSF reshaped the electoral landscape. The Birsa Ambedkar Phule Students’ Association (BAPSA) and other groups like the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) also fielded candidates, contributing to a fiercely contested race, particularly for the president’s post, which saw 13 candidates in the fray.
The election process was not without challenges. Initially scheduled for April 18, the polls were postponed due to violence and vandalism at the EC office, prompting a temporary suspension. The EC resumed the process after addressing security concerns, with voting conducted in two sessions on April 25 (9 am–1 pm and 2:30 pm–5:30 pm). The counting began the same night, culminating in the results announcement on April 28.
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Celebrations erupted across the JNU campus as the results were declared, with students chanting slogans and waving flags. Nitish Kumar, the newly elected president, emphasized his commitment to student welfare, stating, “We will work tirelessly for the students and their rights.” Munteha Fatima, the new general secretary, echoed this sentiment, pledging to continue the fight for student rights. Vaibhav Meena, the ABVP joint secretary, expressed optimism about his group’s future, declaring, “We have won this after a decade, and ABVP will aim for all four seats in the next election.”
The elections highlighted JNU’s vibrant political culture, with issues like hostel facilities, academic freedom, and social justice dominating campaign narratives. The presidential debate on April 23, a hallmark of JNUSU elections, saw candidates engage passionately on topics ranging from campus security to global issues like Palestine, reflecting the university’s reputation as a hub of ideological discourse.
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Last year’s elections, held after a four-year hiatus, saw the United Left dominate, with AISA’s Dhananjay winning the presidency alongside SFI, AISF, and BAPSA candidates securing other posts. This year’s fragmented Left and ABVP’s strategic push signal a potential shift in JNU’s political dynamics, with observers noting that the results could influence student politics nationwide.
As the new JNUSU leadership prepares to take charge, the campus remains abuzz with anticipation. The EC is expected to release detailed councillor seat results soon, which will further clarify ABVP’s claimed dominance in those positions. For now, JNU’s students have once again demonstrated their commitment to democratic engagement, setting the stage for another year of spirited activism and advocacy.