JNU Student Elections: The Countdown Begins
Jawaharlal Nehru University is buzzing with familiar intensity as it gears up for its student union elections tomorrow, November 4, 2025. The Election Committee has meticulously overseen the final stages of one of India’s most keenly observed student contests, a process that underscores the university’s enduring role as a hub for vigorous political debate and ideological expression.
With the voters’ list finalized, nominations submitted, spirited campaigns concluded, and the highly anticipated Presidential debate now behind them, the stage is perfectly set. For decades, JNU has served as a micro-mirror of national politics, where student alliances, catchy slogans, and carefully crafted manifestos often foreshadow broader shifts in the country’s political landscape.
Electing New Leadership
This year’s election will see students choose representatives for four pivotal roles within the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU): President, Vice President, General Secretary, and Joint Secretary. These positions remain central to public discourse, giving student voices a powerful platform. Ahead of tomorrow’s polling, let’s reflect on the recent history of JNUSU by looking at the last five presidents who have steered the student body, each representing a distinct period in JNU’s dynamic political culture.
Recent JNUSU Presidents
The following five presidents have significantly influenced the trajectory of student politics at JNU in recent years:
| President | Student Organization | Term |
| Nitish Kumar | AISA (United Left) | 2024-2025 |
| Dhananjay | AISA (United Left) | 2023-2024 |
| Aishe Ghosh | SFI (United Left) | 2019-2023 |
| N. Sai Balaji | AISA (United Left) | 2018-2019 |
| Geeta Kumari | AISA (United Left) | 2017-2018 |
A Legacy of Ideas and Influence
The JNUSU presidency has long been a training ground for future leaders. Many notable past presidents, including Sitaram Yechury (1977-1978), Shakeel Ahmed Khan (1992-1993), and Syed Naseer Hussain (1999-2000), have gone on to achieve significant prominence in national politics. Their journeys highlight how the JNUSU top role often serves as a crucial proving ground for broader leadership roles.
This Year’s Contenders and Alliances
The Election Committee reports that seven students are vying for the presidential post, three for vice-president, five for general secretary, and five for joint secretary. Additionally, 111 valid nominations have been confirmed for the councillor positions across JNU’s 18 academic centers. This election features a prominent three-way contest among the Left alliance, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), and the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), alongside several independent candidates and smaller student groups.
Key Candidates:
- ABVP: Vikas Patel (President), Tanya Kumari (Vice-President), Rajeshwar Kant Dubey (General Secretary), Anuj Damara (Joint Secretary).
- Left Alliance (AISA, SFI, DSF): Aditi Mishra (President), Gopika Babu (Vice-President), Sunil Yadav (General Secretary), Danish Ali (Joint Secretary).
- NSUI: Vikash Bishnoi (President), Shaikh Shahnavaz Alam (Vice-President), Preeti (General Secretary), Kuldeep Ojha (Joint Secretary).
Beyond these main alliances, other groups and independent candidates are also making their presence felt. AISF has put forward Gopikrishnan U for General Secretary. The Ambedkarite platform BAPSA is represented by Raj Ratan Rajoria for President and Shuaib Khan for General Secretary. DISHA has fielded Shirshava Indu for President, and the Progressive Students’ Association is supporting Shinde Vijayalaxmi for the same position.
The Final Countdown
As JNU students prepare to cast their ballots, the results will not only decide the next group of office-bearers but will also serve as a crucial reflection of the politically engaged student community. These elections continue to uphold JNU’s rich legacy as a vibrant center for ideas, activism, and the cultivation of future leaders.