NEW DELHI: Reports of unrest have once again emerged from Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). A clash between left-wing and right-wing students, specifically between ABVP and the Left, disrupted the election process, leading to chaos on campus. The altercation occurred during the student union elections, as supporters of the Left and ABVP clashed in the election office, resulting in vandalism and scuffles. Unfortunately, this is not the first instance of such turmoil at JNU, highlighting ongoing tensions between different student groups.
The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) elections have been indefinitely suspended due to alleged incidents of violence and vandalism at the campus election committee (EC) office, university officials announced on Friday.
Eyewitnesses reported shattered glass windows and dismantled barricades during the violent outbreak.
In a statement, the EC expressed concern over the safety of its members and the disruption caused by the violence. As a result, the election process has been put on hold until the administration and student organizations can ensure the safety of EC members.
According to a PhD student present during the incident, tensions escalated when activists of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), a student outfit affiliated with the RSS, attacked the EC office.
This year’s elections were being held for the second time in four years, following a hiatus due to a Delhi High Court case regarding the implementation of the Lyngdoh Committee recommendations. The delay in the nomination and withdrawal deadlines, originally set for April 16 but extended to April 17 and then to 4:30 pm, led to confusion and allegations of bias.
The situation has sparked a blame game, with the ABVP accusing the EC of favoring Left-leaning student groups. In a statement, the ABVP claimed that the Election Committee had become a puppet of the Left.
The All India Students Association (AISA), the most prominent student organization on campus, has pointed fingers at ABVP for the recent outbreak of violence. AISA took to Facebook to share a video showcasing the ABVP’s attack on the JNUSU EC, highlighting the destruction of the JNUSU office doors. The message was clear: “Do not allow fascists to dismantle the pillars of democracy.”
AISA is calling for justice against the ABVP, demanding enhanced security for the EC, advocating for free and fair elections, and urging students to vote for the United Left Panel to combat fascism. The organization is rallying students to unite against ABVP lumpenism.
The dynamics among student groups have significantly impacted the election process, according to a student activist. AISA and DSF have formed a new alliance, while SFI, BAPSA, AISF, and PSA are working on creating another coalition. Traditionally, AISA, AISF, and SFI have stood together as a united left-leaning panel.
However, there have been reports of delays and rejections of several nominations from these groups due to procedural errors and uncertainties surrounding withdrawal regulations.
Despite the suspension, both major alliances have already announced their candidates for the upcoming elections at Jawaharlal Nehru University. The ABVP has put forward Shikha Swaraj for president, Nittu Goutham for vice-president, Kunal Rai for general-secretary, and Vaibhav Meena for joint-secretary. On the other hand, the AISA-DSF alliance has named Nitish Kumar (AISA) for president, Manisha (DSF) for vice-president, Munteha Fatima (DSF) for general-secretary, and Naresh Kumar (AISA) for joint-secretary.
Observers at JNU have noted the active participation of the Samajwadi Party student organization, the Samajwadi Chhatra Sabha, in this year’s election process.
According to data from the Election Commission, a total of 7,906 students were registered to vote this year, with male voters making up 57 percent and female voters 43 percent. Currently, the Election Commission has not announced a revised timeline for the resumption of the election process.
