Congress Elevates Vinod Jakhar to National Students' Union of India Presidency
In a significant political development, the Congress party on Friday appointed Vinod Jakhar as the president of the National Students' Union of India (NSUI), making him the first individual from Rajasthan to hold this prestigious position. The official order for his appointment was issued by Congress general secretary K.C. Venugopal, marking a new chapter in the student wing's leadership.
A Political Journey Rooted in Student Activism
Jakhar succeeds Varun Chaudhary as the head of the student union, bringing with him a decade-long trajectory in student politics. He embarked on his political journey in 2014 when he was elected president of Rajasthan College. In a notable turn of events in 2018, he contested the Rajasthan University Student Union polls as an independent candidate and secured the presidency despite lacking the NSUI's official backing at the time.
Following his victory, Jakhar joined the NSUI and steadily climbed the ranks, serving as a functionary before eventually assuming the role of NSUI state president, a position he held until this recent national elevation.
Dalit Activist with Close Ties to Sachin Pilot
As a Dalit student activist, Jakhar is widely regarded as being close to Congress functionary Sachin Pilot. His appointment is viewed as particularly significant within the internal political dynamics of the Congress party, potentially signaling strategic shifts in its student outreach and representation.
Addressing the media in Delhi after the announcement, Jakhar expressed his commitment to the role. "I will perform my duties with utmost honesty as the party has trusted me with this post," he stated. "I will continue to raise student issues across universities as we can see the budget for education being reduced gradually."
Vowing to Combat Hatred in Educational Institutions
Jakhar further emphasized his dedication to fostering a positive educational environment. "I will continue to fight against hatred as educational institutions are not the place to worship weapons. Protesting this is important and in line with the thoughts of senior party leaders like Rahul Gandhi," he added, outlining his vision for the NSUI under his leadership.
Arrest and Imprisonment: A Catalyst for Elevation
Jakhar's path to the presidency was notably shaped by an incident in September last year. He was arrested for protesting a 'Shastra Puja' program organized by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) at the University of Rajasthan, where senior Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader Nimbaram was the chief guest.
Charged with vandalism, Jakhar spent 17 days in prison—an episode that many party observers consider pivotal to his subsequent rise within the NSUI hierarchy. During his imprisonment, his family members and senior party figures, including Sachin Pilot, Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasra, and then-NSUI president Varun Chaudhary, were denied permission to meet him, highlighting the contentious nature of the case.
This appointment not only marks a historic first for Rajasthan but also underscores the Congress party's focus on strengthening its student wing with leaders who have demonstrated activism and resilience in the face of adversity.
