The election committee calls for the urgent deployment of the Delhi Police after alleged violence and security lapses on campus
NEW DELHI — The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Students’ Union elections have come to a standstill following serious security concerns raised by the election committee, which has demanded police protection before resuming the polling process. The committee has cited hostile conditions and inadequate campus security as the main reasons for halting the elections, sparking fears over the safety of voters and election officials.
In a formal letter sent to the university administration on Monday, the committee expressed deep apprehension over the existing security arrangements. “Our lives are at risk,” stated the committee members, warning that without adequate protection, the entire election process might be cancelled. However, sources within the university administration claimed that no official communication regarding this demand had been received.
The elections were suspended after a violent incident during the nomination filing stage. Reports indicate that unidentified individuals forcibly breached barriers, smashed windows, and entered the election office unlawfully. Disturbingly, the university’s security personnel reportedly remained passive during the event, intensifying fears among students and election officials.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, a member of the election committee said, “The current guards cannot control a crowd of 5,000 students on polling day. The situation is beyond their capability.” Despite the unrest, university officials clarified that once the election panel is constituted, the administration has no direct role in managing the elections.
The committee has since sought the intervention of the Delhi Police, requesting their presence during key phases of the election, including voting and counting, to prevent any further disruptions. This call comes as the university prepares for the scheduled polling day, which remains uncertain with only a few days remaining.
This year, a total of 7,906 students are registered to vote in the JNU Students’ Union elections, with men making up 57 percent of the electorate and women 43 percent, according to data from the election committee. The original timetable planned a presidential debate for April 23, with campaigning ending on April 24. Voting was set for April 25 in two sessions, followed by counting that night and an official announcement of results on April 28.
The halt in the election process raises serious questions about the university’s ability to ensure a free and fair electoral environment. Students and observers have expressed concern that without firm action, the democratic voice of JNU’s student body risks being silenced.
One student activist commented, “JNU has always been a place for free thought and political expression. It is worrying that security failures and violence are now threatening the students’ right to choose their representatives safely.”
The coming days will be critical in determining whether the university administration and law enforcement agencies can restore order and protect the electoral process, ensuring that the voices of thousands of students are heard without fear.
