Student leaders in dilemma

THE DECISION to hold LU Student Union elections (LUSU) as per the Lyngdoh reports has left prominent student leaders high and dry. Where do they go from here is the question haunting them.

THE DECISION to hold LU Student Union elections (LUSU) as per the Lyngdoh reports has left prominent student leaders high and dry. Where do they go from here is the question haunting them. With Supreme Court, High Court and LU officials putting their foot down to hold student union elections as per Lyngdoh report, it has brought back the smile on the faces of young student leaders who have been living under the shadow of baddies. Young student leaders who were till date planning to contest for insignificant posts like class representative are all of a sudden finding themselves an easy way out to contest for posts likes junior librarian, vice president as well. Elated with the decision, the youngsters now see a real chance to eye even coveted posts like general secretary and president since the SC has shut all doors for the biggies and baddies. Problem with senior student leaders is that the decision has come at a time when the assembly elections are drawing closer. With their fate being sealed, the student leaders do not have opportunity to attract attention of their political masters.

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Says Samajwadi Party student leader Pawan Pandey: “LUSU poll was a good opportunity to prove our purpose. The SC ruling is a big disappointment. We would now indulge in party politics.”

While it’s time for the senior leaders to mourn, the junior ones are elated with the decision. “The decision has opened all doors for us to contest elections for even key posts. Now there is no stopping us.

Senior leaders are out and now it’s time for us to hog some limelight by doing some constructive work which is expected from a student leaders. I would strive hard to work as a true leaders of common students,” said a student leader of Science faculty. Pleading anonymity, yet another young student leader said: “For quite some time, we have lived under the shadow of baddies. Many of them are married and fathers, but they are not leaving the campus just for the fulfillment of their political aspirations. Now that the SC has shown them door out, we see a chance to give some leadership and fight for the cause of student interest. We must now ensure regular teaching on the campus.”As the young student leaders gear up for the forthcoming elections, some of the senior student leaders are searching for young candidates whom they could campaign for.