Summary: The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) is gearing up for its 2025-26 Students' Union elections with 20 candidates, including six women, contesting for the four key central panel posts: president, vice-president, general secretary, and joint secretary. The elections, scheduled for November 4, promise a vibrant contest among major student alliances and independent candidates, reflecting the dynamic political spirit of the campus.
Candidates and Alliances
The Election Committee of JNU has finalized the list of candidates for the upcoming Students' Union elections. A total of 20 candidates are competing for the central panel positions: seven for president, three for vice-president, five for general secretary, and five for joint secretary. Additionally, 111 valid nominations have been confirmed for councillor roles across JNU's 18 centres.
This year’s elections feature a triangular contest among three major alliances: the Left alliance (comprising AISA, SFI, and DSF), the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), and the National Students' Union of India (NSUI). Alongside them, several independent and smaller group candidates are also in the fray.
- ABVP candidates: Vikas Patel (President), Tanya Kumari (Vice-President), Rajeshwar Kant Dubey (General Secretary), Anuj Damara (Joint Secretary).
- Left alliance candidates: Aditi Mishra (President), Gopika Babu (Vice-President), Sunil Yadav (General Secretary), Danish Ali (Joint Secretary).
- NSUI candidates: Vikash Bishnoi (President), Shaikh Shahnavaz Alam (Vice-President), Preeti (General Secretary), Kuldeep Ojha (Joint Secretary).
Other notable contestants include Gopikrishnan U from AISF for general secretary; Raj Ratan Rajoria (President) and Shuaib Khan (General Secretary) from BAPSA; Shirshava Indu from DISHA for president; and Shinde Vijayalaxmi from the Progressive Students' Association also contesting for president.
Campaign Heats Up on Campus
With the candidate list finalized, campaign activities have intensified across the university. Posters, pamphlets, and open discussions are common sights as candidates and their supporters actively engage with the student body. School-level general body meetings will continue until October 31, followed by the university general body meeting on November 1.
The much-anticipated presidential debate is scheduled for Sunday, November 2, providing a platform for candidates to present their visions. November 3 has been designated as a no-campaign day, allowing students to reflect before casting their votes.
Polling and Results Schedule
Polling will take place on November 4 in two phases: from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and from 2:30 PM to 5:30 PM. Vote counting will begin at 9:00 PM the same day, with results expected to be announced by November 6.
The election process began on October 24 with the publication of the tentative voters' list and a grievance correction window. The university's grievance redressal cell continues to oversee the election process and address any disputes to ensure a fair and transparent poll.
Background and Significance
The JNUSU elections often reflect broader ideological trends in India's student politics. Last year, Left-backed groups secured three of the four central panel posts, while the ABVP won the joint secretary position — its first central panel victory in nearly a decade.
As November 4 approaches, the campus is abuzz with anticipation. These elections not only decide the next student leaders but also capture the vibrant political engagement of JNU's student community, continuing the university's legacy as a hub of ideas, activism, and leadership.
