JNU Student Elections Nov 4: Left Bloc Challenges Right, Meet Key Contenders

The JNU student union elections are set for November 4, 2023, attracting 9,043 eligible voters. This year, the contest showcases an intriguing clash of ideologies, with left-wing parties uniting against the right-wing Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). A significant turnout is anticipated as candidates passionately campaign their agendas.

Political Dynamics of JNU Elections

Three prominent left-wing parties have formed an alliance for this year’s elections. These are:

• All India Students’ Association (AISA)
• Democratic Students’ Federation (DSF)
• Students’ Federation of India (SFI)

Additionally, other groups such as the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), Progressive Students’ Association (PSA), and independent candidates enrich the political landscape.

Key Candidates and Their Profiles

Right-Wing Contenders

• President: Vikas Patel, a third-year PhD scholar
• Vice President: Tanya Kumari, pursuing a PhD in Sociology
• General Secretary: Rajeshwar Kant Dubey, research scholar
• Joint Secretary: Anuj Damara, also a research scholar

Left-Wing Contenders

• President: Aditi Mishra, PhD scholar from the School of International Studies
• Vice President: Kizhakoot Gopika Babu
• General Secretary: Sunil Yadav
• Joint Secretary: Danish Ali

Issues at Stake

During the campaign, Aditi Mishra addressed crucial issues, including environmental concerns in Ladakh and youth unemployment, urging the young electorate to prioritize job creation. In contrast, Vikas Patel criticized the left for its prolonged governance of JNU, claiming they have caused its decline.

Election Contestants Overview

In total, seven candidates are running for the presidency, including:

• Aditi Mishra
• Angad Singh
• Raj Ratan Rajoriya
• Shinde Vijayalaxmi Vyankat Rao
• Shirshava Indu
• Vikas Patel
• Vikash

The vice-presidential race features Kizhakoot Gopika Babu, Shaikh Shahnawaz Alam, and Tanya Kumari. Candidates for general secretary include Gopi Krishnan U, Preeti, Rajeshwar Kant Dubey, Shuaib Khan, and Sunil Yadav. For joint secretary, the contenders are Anuj, Danish Ali, Kuldeep Ojha, Manmohan Mitruka, and Ravi Raj.

Historical Context of JNU Elections

JNU has long been a bastion of leftist ideology. In the 2024-25 elections, left-backed parties secured three out of four central panel positions, with the ABVP winning the joint secretary seat. The left alliance, primarily led by AISA and DSF, maintained its leadership by narrow margins.

This year, a notable shift is observed, with about 30% of central panel nominations coming from female candidates, highlighting a growing emphasis on gender representation within campus politics.

As election day approaches, the stakes are high, and the outcome could significantly influence the political environment at JNU for years to come.