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New outfit challenges united Left in JNU
NEW DELHI: Before the JNU went to the polls on Friday, everyone thought the fight was between Left Unity and RSS-backed Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).
NEW DELHI: Before the JNU went to the polls on Friday, everyone thought the fight was between Left Unity and RSS-backed Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). However, the Birsa Ambedkar Phule Students’ Association (BAPSA) has emerged as a strong contender in the JNU Students’ Union Elections.
Students came out in huge numbers to elect their new representatives. This year’s 59.6% voter turnout saw a significant jump from last year’s 53.3%.
The election is being closely watched after the university was rocked by protests early this year that snowballed into a political firestorm following arrests of some students, including outgoing JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar, on sedition charges.
Two Left parties – All India Students’ Association (AISA) and Students’ Federation of India (SFI) – came together to consolidate votes and defeat ABVP. The alliance known as “Left Unity” was clear who their main challenger was, but Wednesday’s presidential debate changed the dynamics. Many said that BAPSA presidential candidate Sonpimple Rahul Punaram’s speech in the debate was the turning point.
“Students decide whom they want to vote for based on what the candidate says in the debates. Last year, Kanhaiya was elected mainly based on his speech even though his party isn’t very popular on the campus. The fight is tough between BAPSA and Left Unity,” said Shashank, an M Phil student.
On Friday, as students lined outside the polling booths to cast their votes, it became clear that the fight, at least for the president’s position, would be triangular.
ABVP supporters said that students are not very happy with the AISA-SFI alliance and this will help consolidate votes for ABVP. “There is anger among students against the alliance. ABVP is raising issues of placement cell and hostels which are important for students,” said Kavita, an MA student.
The results will be declared on September 12.
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