Memorandum to V-C emphasises urgent need for elections, warns delay will hinder union functionality and weaken student representation
NEW DELHI — Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) has once again witnessed rising calls for urgent conduct of students’ union elections.
The demand was formally communicated in a memorandum submitted recently by students to Vice-Chancellor Prof Naima Khatoon and Proctor Prof Muhammad Wasim Ali, stressing the importance of holding the elections before Sir Syed Day (October 17) 2025.
The students highlighted that AMU has not conducted student union elections since 2019, which they argue has seriously hindered student representation and participation in democratic processes on campus.
Speaking on the memorandum, a group of student leaders said, “The absence of a functioning student union has affected administrative participation and life on the campus. Timely elections are essential to restore student voice and strengthen the democratic traditions of the university.”
According to the memorandum, the Langoha Committee recommends that student elections should be conducted within four weeks of the start of the academic session. The students stressed that delaying elections violates not only these committee guidelines but could also be seen as a breach of court orders.
Student leader Usman explained the urgency, saying, “The time previously suggested by the administration for holding elections coincides with exams and the holiday period. By the time students return, the union will have insufficient time to function effectively. It is therefore crucial that elections are held as soon as possible, and this remains our primary demand.”
The renewed push comes in the backdrop of recent campus protests. Last month, students staged a large demonstration, including a sit-in and hunger strike that lasted several days. Following these protests, the administration issued a written assurance to conduct student union elections in December. The sit-in was then peacefully ended.
Now, a section of students has again raised the issue to apply pressure on the administration to ensure elections are held ahead of Sir Syed Day. The movement reflects broader concerns over student rights and the preservation of democratic processes within the university.
A senior student activist remarked, “Holding elections is not just about filling posts. It is about empowering students to participate in governance, to have a say in administrative decisions, and to uphold the values of democracy on campus.”
With the Sir Syed Day deadline approaching fast, the administration faces renewed pressure to honour its commitments and ensure that student voices are represented in the university’s governance structures.
