The 2025 Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections delivered a fascinating split mandate. While the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) clinched three of the four top positions, the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) secured a crucial win with Rahul Jhansla, who triumphed as Vice President. Jhansla garnered an impressive 29,339 votes, surpassing ABVP’s Govind Tanwar, who received 20,547. This victory not only invigorates NSUI’s campus presence but also shines a spotlight on Jhansla’s remarkable journey as a student leader, deeply rooted in academic excellence.
Rahul Jhansla’s Journey: From Rural Rajasthan to Delhi University
Originally from Dahmi village in Behror, Alwar district of Rajasthan, Rahul Jhansla was immersed in grassroots politics from a young age. With an aunt who served as a sarpanch, public service and governance were an integral part of his upbringing, fostering an early passion for leadership and activism. He completed his undergraduate degree at Shaheed Bhagat Singh College, a vibrant hub within the University of Delhi. Currently in his second year of a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) program at Delhi University, his pursuit of legal studies underscores a thoughtful approach to combining theoretical understanding with his political aspirations.
Championing Student Welfare: Jhansla’s History of Campus Activism
Even prior to his DUSU candidacy, Jhansla established himself as a prominent figure at Delhi University through leading impactful protests and campaigns on crucial student issues. He actively championed improvements in hostel hygiene, upgraded sports infrastructure, and greater transparency in campus governance. His dedication was particularly evident when he undertook hunger strikes to advocate for student rights, demonstrating a firm commitment to democratic yet assertive methods. For the 2025 elections, Jhansla’s manifesto strongly emphasized student welfare, advocating for key initiatives such as rejecting the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, implementing menstrual leave for female students, fostering transparent examination systems, increasing scholarship opportunities, and ensuring safer campuses for women. His vision, which also included smart classrooms, legal aid centers, and enhanced transportation, deeply resonated with students seeking tangible improvements.
The Dual Path: Navigating Law Studies and Student Leadership
What truly sets Rahul Jhansla apart in Delhi University’s political arena is his remarkable ability to seamlessly integrate rigorous academic study with fervent activism. By pursuing a law degree concurrently with his active role in student politics, he exemplifies a powerful combination of deep theoretical understanding and practical leadership skills. This unique blend of legal insight and organizational experience provides a compelling blueprint for aspiring student leaders, offering a clear path toward impactful careers in mainstream politics, public policy, or various advocacy fields.
Significance of Jhansla’s Victory for NSUI’s Future
Even as a single post, Jhansla’s victory carries immense strategic importance for NSUI, especially given its recent challenges in challenging ABVP’s longstanding dominance. His influential role within the DUSU leadership guarantees that the Congress’s student wing will continue to be a strong voice in shaping campus discussions and policy. Furthermore, his impressive educational background bolsters his credibility significantly in crucial debates concerning student rights, academic reforms, and fostering a more inclusive campus environment.