JNU — a bastion of Left politics

For over five decades, the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) has remained a bastion of Left politics.

From fiery campus debates to protest marches that echo through the corridors of the School of Social Sciences, the dominance of Left-affiliated student groups such as the All India Students’ Association (AISA), Students’ Federation of India (SFI), All India Students’ Federation (AISF) and Democratic Students’ Federation (DSF) has shaped the political culture of one of India’s most intellectually charged universities

This year marks the 30th JNUSU elections, a milestone in the JNU’s vibrant democratic tradition. Over these years, the post of president has been won 13 times by the AISA, 12 times by the SFI and once by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP).

The 2025 election saw AISA’s Nitish Kumar secure the top post, reaffirming the Left’s continued stronghold on campus.

A legacy of debate and dissent

JNUSU elections, held under the Lyngdoh Committee guidelines, are widely regarded as among the most transparent and democratic student polls in the country. Campaigns unfold over weeks, marked by poster making, open debates and late night hostel meetings where ideas, not money, decide the outcome.

“The JNU was built on ideas of equality, public education and social justice,” explains Sandeep Kumar, a political science student from the School of Social Sciences.

“Those ideals naturally align with Left politics, so their appeal stays strong year after year,” he added.

The campus and its character

Walk across the JNU’s hostels or dhabas, and politics feels inseparable from daily life. “At JNU, we’re encouraged to question everything, including authority. Left groups create space for that kind of thinking, while others often sound out of touch with campus realities,” said Ranjvijay, a first-year master’s student.

The student demography also plays a key role. “A lot of us come from small towns and government schools. When the Left talks about affordable education and representation, it feels personal. They speak about the issues that define our lives,” said Sohil Raza, a PhD scholar.

A year round presence

The Left’s success also comes from its continuous engagement beyond election season. “They’re active 365 days a year through study circles, protests and cultural events. It’s not just about winning votes, they build political awareness and community consistently,” said a PhD scholar who has followed campus politics for years.

Ideology still matters

In an age when student politics across many campuses has been reduced to personality clashes or power contests, the JNU stands apart. Its elections remain a rare example of ideology triumphing over charisma of ideas debated passionately and publicly.