JNUSU Elections: Active Voting Amidst Pahalgam Attack and Fee Hike Concerns
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Synopsis
Voting for the JNUSU elections took place amidst significant discussions regarding the Pahalgam terror attack and fee hikes, with students voicing their concerns. The results will be announced on April 28.
Key Takeaways
- Brisk voting occurred on campus.
- Pahalgam terror attack was a key discussion point.
- Students are advocating against fee hikes.
- Strong demand for improvements in hostel and library facilities.
- Major alliances formed among student organizations.
New Delhi, April 25 (NationPress) A lively voting session occurred during the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) elections on Friday, with discussions centered around the Pahalgam terror attack, fee increases, and enhancements to hostel and library services. The results are anticipated on April 28.
More than 7,906 students were eligible to cast their votes in an election marked by significant shifts, leading to a fragmentation of the long-standing United Left.
In a conversation with IANS, one student expressed, “We aim to challenge the caste-based attitudes prevalent in the university.”
“Some individuals oppose the idea of students benefiting from lower fees. If such candidates gain power in JNUSU, I have no doubt there will be an annual increase in fees, similar to the situation in Delhi University,” they remarked.
The student emphasized that their peers are aware of these pressing matters and will voice their opinions through their votes.
Another voter highlighted the significant demand for change in this election: “We desire new hostels and an expanded library. There is substantial support for this shift,” they noted.
The All India Students Association (AISA) has partnered with the Democratic Students' Federation (DSF), while the Students' Federation of India (SFI) has collaborated with the Birsa Ambedkar Phule Students' Association (BAPSA), All India Students' Federation (AISF), and Progressive Students' Association (PSA) to form a distinct alliance.
The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, has presented a complete panel featuring Shikha Swaraj for president, Nittu Goutham for vice-president, Kunal Rai for general secretary, and Vaibhav Meena for joint secretary.
As voting commenced at 9 a.m., eager students formed lines outside the polling station, while supporters from various parties rallied and chanted slogans in a last-ditch effort to sway voters.
Previously, the 13 presidential candidates engaged in a traditional debate on April 23, a highlight in the university’s political landscape, where they spoke to voters for 10 minutes each.
The overnight debate, which ran from 11:30 p.m. to 4 a.m. the following day, began with a two-minute silence to honor the victims of the Pahalgam terror attack.
In the last JNUSU elections, the Left alliance dominated, winning all four positions: President, Vice President, General Secretary, and Joint Secretary. Just over 5,600 valid votes were cast during that election.
