Patna University Students' Union Elections to Proceed as Scheduled
In a decisive move, Patna University has officially confirmed that the elections for the Patna University Students' Union (PUSU) for the 2025-26 term will be held as originally planned on February 28. This announcement comes after the university withdrew a previous notification issued on Saturday that had indicated a postponement of the elections. A fresh notification was prominently displayed on the university's website on Monday, reaffirming the scheduled date for the electoral process.
Reversal of Postponement and Candidate Commitments
The decision to proceed with the elections was finalized following a crucial meeting between all contestants and members of the central election committee. Shankar Kumar, the chief returning officer for PUSU, elaborated that during this meeting, candidates provided a written undertaking, pledging not to violate the model code of conduct during the campaigning period. This commitment was made in response to recent incidents that raised concerns about student behavior.
Specifically, the committee addressed reports of indecent behavior by some students towards a teacher at Patna Science College, as well as an unauthorized procession at Patna Women's College where banners were displayed and slogans were shouted. In their undertaking, the candidates agreed that stern action would be taken against any candidate found violating the code of conduct at any point during the campaigning phase. Additionally, it was unanimously decided that all campaigning activities for the PUSU elections will officially conclude at 5 PM on February 26, two days prior to the polling date.
Final List of Contestants and Campaigning Momentum
On Monday afternoon, Patna University released the final list of contestants for various union offices, which immediately injected momentum into the election campaigning. The breakdown of candidates for key positions is as follows:
- President: 11 candidates
- Vice-President: 8 candidates
- General Secretary: 9 candidates
- Joint Secretary: 6 candidates
- Treasurer: 7 candidates
Furthermore, a total of 32 candidates are vying for the 22 available seats of union council membership. The release of this list sparked a surge in campaigning efforts across the campus, with student wings of nearly all major political parties actively participating in the election.
Political Involvement and Election Preparations
The PUSU elections have attracted a diverse array of political organizations, reflecting the vibrant student political landscape in Patna. Key groups contesting for various offices include:
- Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP)
- Chhatra JD(U)
- National Students' Union of India (NSUI)
- All India Students Federation (AISF)
- Student Federation of India (SFI)
- All India Students Association (AISA)
- Chhatra Jan Adhikar Party
- Chhatra Jan Suraj Party
In terms of logistical preparations, Patna University has already requisitioned essential election materials from the state election office. According to Shankar Kumar, ballot boxes and indelible ink have been secured for use during the polling process. To ensure a smooth and secure election, the university has also formally requested the district administration to deploy additional police forces on campus. Enhanced security measures are expected to include increased police patrolling around colleges, university departments, and hostels, starting well before polling begins and continuing until the results are declared.
This development marks a significant step in the democratic processes at Patna University, with all stakeholders now focused on conducting a fair and orderly election for the student body.
