Patna: The National Students’ Union of India has consolidated its dominance in the latest student union elections at Patna University, securing key leadership positions in a closely fought contest that has reshaped campus politics. The results, announced, point to both continuity and change with established organisations retaining influence while women candidates and an independent contender made significant gains.
In the five-member central panel, NSUI clinched the posts of president and general secretary. Shantanu Shekhar won the presidential race with 2,896 votes, defeating Chhatra JD(U)’s Prince Kumar by a margin of 1,496 votes. The victory marks a consecutive success for the Congress-affiliated student wing in the university’s top office, reinforcing its organisational strength on campus.
The general secretary contest further strengthened NSUI’s position. Khushi Kumari secured 2,164 votes, defeating Chhatra RJD candidate Pratyush Raj by 553 votes. Her win, alongside that of other female candidates in prominent roles, signals a growing assertion of women’s leadership within the university’s political landscape. Observers say the results reflect a gradual but visible shift in campus representation.
The election’s most striking upset came in the vice-presidential race, where independent candidate Shifat Faiz, associated with Team Osama, edged past Chhatra JD(U)’s Ayush Harsh by just 71 votes, securing 1,568 ballots. The narrow victory underscores the rising importance of individual credibility and grassroots appeal in a political environment long dominated by party affiliations.
The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) also demonstrated its cadre strength, winning two posts. Abhishek Kumar captured the joint secretary position with 2,173 votes, defeating NSUI’s Monavvar Azam by 392 votes. Harshvardhan secured the treasurer’s post with 1,519 votes, overcoming a Chhatra JD(U) candidate by 90 votes, ensuring the RSS-affiliated student body remains a significant force in campus affairs.
Despite the competitive races, voter participation was subdued. Only 37.84% of eligible voters cast their ballots across 41 polling booths. The highest turnout, 59%, was recorded at the Women’s Training College, while BN College saw the lowest at just 21.02%. The polling process was marred by disputes over nomination procedures and a reported firing incident at Science College, adding tension to the proceedings.
Taken together, the results suggest that Patna University’s student politics is entering a more complex phase. While established organisations continue to wield influence, the rise of women leaders and the success of an independent candidate indicate that the campus electorate is increasingly willing to look beyond traditional party lines — a trend that could shape future contests in the years ahead.
