3 days ago
Student Union Elections Return to Madhya Pradesh After Eight Years
Students in Madhya Pradesh may soon choose representatives for their colleges again.
The state has not held student union elections regularly since 2017.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court ordered colleges to hold elections after a student challenged the long delay.
ABVP is asking students to support it by highlighting problems such as poor classrooms, toilets, water and libraries.
NSUI is visiting campuses, finding possible candidates and explaining how student unions work.
It also wants direct elections and more investment in government colleges.
Smaller groups are trying to win support by focusing on fees, transport, food and safety.
Some protests by ABVP and NSUI have led to confrontations with police.
The elections will show whether a new generation of students wants to take part in campus politics.
Madhya Pradesh is preparing for student union elections in September, the first statewide polls since 2017.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court directed colleges and universities to conduct elections after a public interest litigation petition.
ABVP is campaigning on infrastructure and basic-facility problems, while NSUI is rebuilding its campus network and advocating direct elections.
ABVP protesters breached barricades in Indore, while police used water cannons against an NSUI march in Katni.
Smaller groups, including Karni Sena Parivar, plan to contest and focus on campus facilities, fees and opposition to violence.
- Who
- ABVP, NSUI, Karni Sena Parivar and other student organisations, along with students in Madhya Pradesh.
- What
- Student union elections are being revived across Madhya Pradesh after a prolonged gap.
- Where
- Colleges and universities across Madhya Pradesh, including campuses in Indore, Katni, Bhopal and Gwalior.
- When
- The state’s 2026-27 academic calendar schedules elections for September; the High Court issued its direction on August 3.
- Why
- The elections follow a public interest litigation petition challenging the absence of elected student bodies despite students being charged a union fee.
ABVP and Campus-Activity Approach
NSUI and Direct-Representation Approach
Main campaign priorities
ABVP and Campus-Activity Approach
ABVP is emphasising longstanding campus activity and deficiencies in basic facilities, including infrastructure, sanitation, water and security.
NSUI and Direct-Representation Approach
NSUI is focusing on local student grievances, academic reliability, government-college investment, fees, hostels, faculty shortages and placements.
Organisational strategy
ABVP and Campus-Activity Approach
ABVP says its year-round campus presence, programmes, protests and membership drives give it an existing electoral network.
NSUI and Direct-Representation Approach
NSUI is rebuilding its organisation through district visits, student meetings, rallies and the identification of potential campus leaders.
Election structure
ABVP and Campus-Activity Approach
ABVP’s stated campaign position in the articles centres on building support while the government finalises the rules and structure.
NSUI and Direct-Representation Approach
NSUI consistently supports direct elections and says the government’s delay in issuing a notification raises concerns about whether polls will be held.
Women’s representation
ABVP and Campus-Activity Approach
No specific ABVP position on women’s reservation is stated in the articles.
NSUI and Direct-Representation Approach
NSUI is seeking 33% reservation for women in student union positions and says it may implement it independently if the government does not provide for it.
Key facts
- Last statewide election exercise
- 2017
- Earlier direct elections discontinued
- 2003, after repeated clashes between student groups
- Court direction
- On August 3, the Madhya Pradesh High Court directed colleges and universities to conduct elections, with police assistance where required.
- ABVP campaign
- The Vidyarthi Hunkar Abhiyan highlights classrooms, furniture, toilets, drinking water, Wi-Fi, CCTV, security, libraries, laboratories and canteens.
- NSUI candidate preparation
- NSUI says it has identified around 10 to 12 potential candidates in each college.
- NSUI women’s representation demand
- NSUI is seeking 33% reservation for women in student union positions.
- Karni Sena Parivar plan
- The organisation plans to contest in five to six government colleges in Bhopal.
Quotes
Ashutosh Chouksey
NSUI state president
“Even if you are not interested in politics, if you face a problem on campus tomorrow, an elected representative can raise that issue and fight with the management or university.”
indianexpress.com
“Students today do not even know what a student union election is.”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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