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West Bengal to Resume Student Union Elections After Years of Hiatus

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced Friday that student union elections will be conducted across the state's colleges and universities in the coming period. The announcement comes as opposition parties and civil society groups intensify calls for the restoration of campus democratic processes.

LSN India · 29 August 2026

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari confirmed that the state government would move forward with holding student union polls across educational institutions in West Bengal, responding to mounting pressure from multiple quarters. The decision marks a potential shift in the state's approach to campus governance after an extended period without such elections.

Student union elections have been a contentious issue in West Bengal, with various stakeholders including opposition parties, student organizations, and educational bodies repeatedly demanding their resumption. The prolonged absence of these elections had drawn criticism from those who argue they are essential for democratic participation and student representation in academic institutions.

Adhikari's statement suggests the government is preparing to implement the election process across colleges and universities, though specific timelines and modalities for conducting the polls were not immediately detailed. The announcement is likely to be closely watched by student organizations and opposition parties who have campaigned for the restoration of campus electoral democracy.

The resumption of student union elections, if implemented, would represent a significant development in West Bengal's higher education landscape and could reshape student politics across the state's academic institutions. Further details regarding the election schedule and framework are expected to emerge from the state education department in the coming weeks.