On debate night, the world becomes a stage for JNUSU presidential candidates

The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) elections are on the home stretch with the presidential debate concluding in the early hours of Monday after a delayed start. In keeping with what has almost become a well-established tradition, candidates across the contending political platforms – and an Independent to boot – punched well above their weight as they debated national, international and campus issues. Debate night cast its net wide, from the special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar and the conflict and humanitarian tragedy in Gaza to more mundane matters such as the Chief Proctor Office (CPO) manual that imposes strict fines on students.

This year, there are seven candidates in the fray for the post of JNUSU president. With the All India Students’ Union (AISA), Students’ Federation of India (SFI) and Democratic Students’ Federation (DSF) forming an alliance to counter the RSS-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the audience at Jhelum Lawns was split into largely two camps. Dhols and daflis vied with sound bites through the night.

Aditi Mishra, the Left Unity candidate, attacked the ABVP in her speech. “Their attack is not just on one person, but on the idea of India, the idea of universities and the idea of JNU,” she said, touching upon the SIR in Bihar and Gaza among other things before taking aim at the Prime Minister over a recent incident in Supreme Court. “They say with [Narendra] Modi, anything is possible. I say with Modi, a Dalit Chief Justice of India is being attacked with a slipper and there is no action taken.”

ABVP candidate Vikas Patel countered Ms. Mishra by referring to the parent parties: “They speak about the rights of women and Dalits but there are no Dalits or women in their Polit Bureau.” Mr. Patel said the ABVP has a vision for JNU and prioritises infrastructure issues on campus. On the CPO manual, he sided with his principal opponent. “They [the administration] can find us, but ABVP and ABVP’s Vikas Patel will not bend.”

Progressive Students’ Alliance candidate Shinde Vijayalaxmi tore a copy of the manual on stage, saying, “I promise that if I win this election, I will ensure that the CPO manual is taken back.” Referring to Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, and other jailed activists, she said, “They cannot get rid of us. JNU was here and will continue to be here.”

National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) candidate Vikash challenged the “binary of the left and the right on campus”. “Under the present regime, atrocities against Dalits have increased. In Haryana, an IPS officer killed himself; in U.P., Hariom Valmiki was beaten to death. I am ashamed that the PM and U.P. CM come from an ideology where this is normal.”

Birsa Ambedkar Phule Students’ Association (BAPSA) candidate Raj Ratan Rajoriya did not make it to the debate due to a family emergency.

Angad Singh, an independent candidate, said, “The left and right spend all their time criticising each other. I’m standing to raise the issue of the common student.” Shirshava Indu from Disha Students’ Organisation also sought to put campus issues centre stage: library ceilings collapsing, bad quality of food in the mess, and lack of hostel infrastructure.

Monday being a no-campaign day, the campus awaits with bated breath for Tuesday when polling will be held in two sessions: from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2.30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Counting will begin on Tuesday night and results are expected to be announced by Thursday. The AISA-DSF alliance has three posts and ABVP the fourth in the outgoing central panel.