Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) is gearing up for its Student Union Elections (JNUSU) 2025-26, scheduled for November 4. The campus is abuzz with activity as student organizations, particularly those from the left and right wings, prepare for a high-stakes contest. The results are expected to be declared on November 6, 2025.
This year's election sees a significant face-off between the Left alliance, comprising the All India Students' Association (AISA), the Democratic Students' Federation (DSF), and the Students' Federation of India (SFI), and the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), which is affiliated with the RSS. These groups have announced their central panel candidates for the key posts of President, Vice President, General Secretary, and Joint Secretary.
The ABVP has nominated Vikas Patel for President, Tanya Kumari for Vice President, Rajeshwar Kant Dubey for General Secretary, and Anuj Damara for Joint Secretary. The Left alliance has nominated Aditi Mishra (AISA) for President, K. Gopika Babu (SFI) for Vice President, Sunil Yadav (DSF) for General Secretary, and Danish Ali (AISA) for Joint Secretary. The National Students' Union of India (NSUI), backed by the Congress, is also in the fray, with Vikash Suwa Bishnoi contesting for President. Bishnoi's campaign is focused on moving beyond the "Left-Right binary" and opposing the National Education Policy (NEP).
A total of 20 candidates are competing for the four central panel posts. Seven candidates are running for the position of President, three for Vice President, and five each for General Secretary and Joint Secretary. In addition to the central panel, there are 111 valid nominations for councillor positions across JNU's various schools and centers.
The election committee, led by Chairman Ravi Kant, has released the final list of candidates. A total of 9,047 students are eligible to vote in this year's elections. Polling will be conducted in two sessions on November 4, from 9 AM to 1 PM and 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM. Vote counting will commence at 9 PM on the same day.
Before the polling day, several important events are scheduled, including School General Body Meetings (GBMs) and a University GBM. The Presidential Debate, a highly anticipated event where candidates present their agendas and answer questions from students, will be held on November 2.
In the previous JNUSU elections, Left-backed student groups won three of the four central panel posts, while the ABVP secured the Joint Secretary position. This marked the ABVP's first win in nearly ten years. The Left Unity aims to prevent the ABVP from gaining further ground in the union. The ABVP, on the other hand, accuses the Left organizations of failing to maintain academic quality, infrastructure development, and democratic discourse.
Student welfare issues are prominent in the campaigns, with topics such as hostel renovation, library upgrades, women's safety, and affordable education taking center stage. The ABVP is focusing on campus development, security, and job opportunities, while the NSUI is highlighting student welfare and better hostel facilities.
