JNU Elections 2025: Left vs NSUI Showdown
The JNU Students' Union elections for 2025-26 are set to take place on November 4, and the political atmosphere is charged with competition. The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), aligned with the Congress party, is gearing up to contest central panel posts. This election will not only feature the NSUI but also a coalition of Left parties, including the Democratic Students' Federation (DSF), Students' Federation of India (SFI), and All India Students' Association (AISA), along with the ABVP, the student wing of the RSS.
JNU has historically been a stronghold for Left politics, with many student leaders transitioning into significant political roles beyond campus. However, recent trends show a notable shift, as several key figures from the Left movement are now joining the Congress. This trend raises questions about the ideological alignment of these leaders and the future of Left politics in India.
For instance, prominent figures like Syed Naseer Hussain and Kanhaiya Kumar have moved to Congress, causing concern among Left unions. They argue that such shifts reflect a growing trend of opportunism rather than a genuine ideological commitment. Danish Tako, from the DSF, highlighted an essential ideological rift, stating that campus politics should not serve as a stepping stone for personal careers.
The DSF's emergence in 2012-13 was a direct response to the diminishing political space for the Left, especially after the CPI(M) supported Congress in the presidential elections. This decision triggered a series of events that weakened the Left's standing, ultimately leading to the rise of the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal.
In this context, Left unions are emphasizing the need for unity to counter the ABVP's influence. Unlike the Delhi University, where the NSUI has a stronger presence, it struggles to gain traction in JNU. The NSUI's previous centrist positioning has led to decreased trust among students who oppose the ABVP.
NSUI's campaign will focus on pressing issues like academic freedom, infrastructure challenges, and the protection of constitutional values. They emphasize that their ideology aligns with democratic principles and social justice, presenting Congress as the primary opposition to the BJP-RSS framework.
In contrast, Left leaders argue that the ideological divide between them and the NSUI is profound and cannot easily be bridged. They stress that individual decisions by some leaders to join the Congress do not represent a broader movement within the Left. The upcoming elections will not only determine the leadership of JNUSU but also reflect the evolving narratives of student politics in India.
