Historic victory as Dhananjay becomes JNU’s first Dalit president from the left in decades
The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) witnessed a historic moment in its student union elections, as the Left panel, led by the All India Students’ Association (AISA), triumphed by winning all four central posts. This victory marks the first election after a four-year break, showcasing a robust participation from the student body.
Dhananjay, representing AISA, clinched the presidency with 2,598 votes, defeating his closest rival from the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), Umesh C Ajmeera, who secured 1,676 votes. Originating from Gaya, Bihar, Dhananjay’s win is particularly noteworthy as he becomes the first Dalit president backed by the Left groups since Batti Lal Bairwa’s tenure in 1996-97.
In his victory speech, Dhananjay emphasized the students’ rejection of divisive politics, stating, “This victory is a referendum by the students of JNU that they reject the politics of hate and violence.” He further highlighted the newly elected union’s commitment to addressing pressing student concerns, including campus safety, financial challenges, and infrastructural needs.
The elections were characterized by vibrant celebrations, with supporters chanting “Lal Salaam” and “Jai Bhim,” symbolizing a united front against discrimination and inequality. The use of red, white, and blue flags underscored the diverse ideological spectrum represented by the winning candidates.
Avijit Ghosh from the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) won the vice-president post, surpassing ABVP’s Deepika Sharma by a margin of 927 votes. The general secretary position was secured by Priyanshi Arya of the Birsa Ambedkar Phule Students’ Association (BAPSA), who was supported by the Left, defeating ABVP’s Arjun Anand.
The joint secretary post saw Mohammad Sajid from the Left defeating ABVP’s Govind Dangi. Despite being the contest with the smallest margin, Sajid’s victory further cemented the Left’s stronghold in this election cycle.
This sweeping win for the Left panel underscores JNU’s enduring identity as a bastion of progressive and inclusive politics. It also highlights the student body’s clear preference for a political ethos that champions social justice, academic freedom, and solidarity.
As JNU prepares for a new chapter under this leadership, the focus remains on how these elected representatives will navigate the challenges ahead, fostering an environment conducive to academic excellence and social harmony
