High voter turnout marks JNUSU poll, campus abuzz with enthusiasm

Polling for the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) elections was held on Tuesday, marking the much-anticipated return of vibrant campus politics to one of India’s most politically active universities.

According to the JNUSU Election Committee, voting took place across 17 polling booths on campus, with an estimated 67 per cent turnout. Polling began at 9 am and continued till 1 pm, resuming again from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm. Out of 9,043 eligible voters, around 30 percent were women and 70 per cent men.

A total of 20 candidates contested for four central panel posts — president, vice-president, general secretary and joint secretary. The election saw spirited participation from all major student organisations, including the Left Unity alliance, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), and the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), each fielding candidates in a closely fought contest.

The campus buzzed with energy throughout the day. From Sabarmati Dhaba to the School of Social Sciences lawns, students thronged the polling booths, chanting slogans, holding banners, and engaging in animated discussions. Volunteers from various organisations guided voters to their booths, while others distributed pamphlets and urged fellow students to cast their votes.

For many, it was a memorable introduction to JNU’s culture of debate and democracy.

“I’ve always heard about how vibrant JNU politics is. Casting my first vote here made me feel truly part of that,” said Riya Verma, a first-year MA student.

Senior scholars described the atmosphere as a reminder of JNU’s long-standing tradition of debate and participation.

“Election day here is not just about politics, it’s about community. We all come together, discuss, argue, and then vote that’s JNU’s spirit,” said Mohammad Danish, a PhD scholar.

The polling process remained peaceful, with the Election Committee and security personnel ensuring smooth conduct. As the day progressed, groups of students could be seen discussing issues ranging from hostel infrastructure to research funding, reflecting the wide array of concerns shaping this year’s election discourse.

As the sun set over the Jhelum lawns, students clicked photos flaunting their inked fingers, capturing the essence of a day that celebrated democracy in its most spirited form.

The results are expected to be declared on Thursday, which will decide the new faces to lead the JNUSU for the upcoming term.