Students at Delhi university protest two decades without union elections

Weeks of demonstrations have gripped the New Delhi campus of Jamia Millia Islamia University, as students demand the restoration of student union elections that have not been held for two decades. The protests underscore tensions between the student body and university administration over democratic representation and governance on campus.

Multiple students have undertaken hunger strikes as part of the escalating campaign, signaling the depth of commitment to their demands. The prolonged absence of student union elections has left the university's student population without formal mechanisms to elect representatives to advocate for their interests.

The situation reflects broader concerns about student autonomy and institutional democracy at Indian universities. Student unions have historically served as important forums for addressing grievances, organizing campus activities, and providing a voice in university decision-making processes.

The administration has not publicly detailed reasons for the two-decade suspension of elections, leaving the grounds for the prohibition unclear. The persistence of student demonstrations suggests that efforts to resolve the matter through official channels may have stalled.