The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), the student wing of the Congress party, organized a large-scale protest at Jaipur’s Shaheed Smarak (Martyr’s Memorial) today, demanding the reinstatement of student union elections in Rajasthan. The demonstration, which saw participation from students across the state, is set to culminate in a march to gherao the Chief Minister’s residence. Prominent Congress leaders, including National General Secretary Sachin Pilot, NSUI National President Varun Choudhary, and several MLAs, joined the students to amplify their call for action.
The protest, led by NSUI Rajasthan State President Vinod Jakhar, reflects growing frustration among students over the state government’s failure to conduct student union elections for the third consecutive year. Jakhar emphasized that NSUI has been agitating at the district level for months, and the Jaipur protest marks a statewide escalation to "wake up the sleeping BJP government." He stated, “Students from across Rajasthan have gathered at Shaheed Smarak to demand their democratic right to student union elections. We will march to the Chief Minister’s residence to press for this cause.”
Student union elections, a vital platform for young leaders to engage in democratic processes, have been stalled in Rajasthan since 2022. The BJP government’s decision to halt these polls has sparked widespread discontent, with students and opposition leaders accusing the administration of suppressing youth voices.
Sachin Pilot Slams BJP Government
Congress leader Sachin Pilot, a prominent figure in Rajasthan politics, joined the protest and delivered a scathing critique of the BJP-led state government. Addressing the gathered students, Pilot questioned the government’s motives, saying, “I want to ask the government why student union elections have not been held. If you’re not conducting elections, at least provide a reason. This double-engine government seems content to sit in power and do nothing. They rely on divisive tactics during elections but fail to deliver on promises.”
Pilot further criticized the government’s inaction on development, particularly in rural areas, stating, “Development has come to a standstill in rural Rajasthan. I don’t know who is advising the Chief Minister to block elections, but this government only wants to enjoy power without fulfilling its responsibilities.” He reiterated the importance of student union elections as the “first step in politics” for young leaders, urging the government to restore the democratic process on campuses.
Congress Leaders Rally Behind Students
The protest saw significant participation from Congress leaders who have roots in student politics. MLA Abhimanyu Poonia, a vocal supporter of the cause, warned the government against targeting student activists. “If a single case is filed against any student today, the Congress party will respond strongly. We will ensure student union elections are restored at any cost,” Poonia declared.
Ladnun MLA Mukesh Bhakar, who also attended the rally, emphasized the significance of student elections for youth empowerment. “Many of us on this stage have risen from student politics to the Assembly and Lok Sabha. We understand how crucial these elections are for young people. The protests will continue until the government relents,” Bhakar said.
Shahpura MLA and former Rajasthan University (RU) Students’ Union President Manish Yadav echoed similar sentiments, encouraging students to remain fearless. “With leaders like Sachin Pilot supporting us, we will fight and grow stronger. We won’t back down,” Yadav asserted. Pilot, hailed as the “voice of the youth,” was joined by other leaders like Lok Sabha candidate and former RU president Anil Chopra, former RU president Nirmal Choudhary, Niharika Jorwal (Meena), Mohit Yadav, and MP DC Bairwa.
NSUI’s Persistent Campaign
NSUI’s agitation for student union elections is not new. The organization has been vocal about the issue, staging protests across Rajasthan to highlight the government’s failure to uphold democratic processes on campuses. Former RU president and Congress leader Pushpendra Bhardwaj accused the BJP of reneging on its promise to conduct elections. “The BJP promised to hold student union elections, but this ‘parchi’ (slip) government has failed to deliver in two years. Over 400 leaders from both parties have emerged from student politics, proving its importance for democracy,” Bhardwaj said.
The NSUI’s “Chatra Chetna Yatra,” launched from Jodhpur on July 23, 2025, has been a key part of their campaign to raise awareness about the need for student union elections. The yatra covered nine major universities and government colleges, mobilizing students to join the movement.
Government’s Silence Sparks Outrage
The Rajasthan government’s decision to postpone student union elections has drawn criticism from both the NSUI and the BJP’s student wing, Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). In 2023, the Congress-led government under Ashok Gehlot had also deferred elections, citing administrative constraints during the assembly election year. However, the current BJP government’s continued refusal to hold polls has intensified the unrest.
Students and leaders argue that the absence of elections stifles democratic engagement and deprives young leaders of opportunities to address campus issues like infrastructure, safety, and academic reforms. A previous NSUI protest on July 17, 2024, at Rajasthan University highlighted 12 demands, including the repair of dilapidated buildings, better hostel facilities, and the resumption of elections.
A Symbolic Protest with a Strong Message
Today’s demonstration at Shaheed Smarak was marked by passionate speeches and a resolve to escalate the movement if demands are not met. The planned gherao of the Chief Minister’s residence underscores the students’ determination to hold the government accountable. NSUI’s leadership has warned of larger protests across the state if the government fails to act.
The presence of senior Congress leaders like Sachin Pilot and Varun Choudhary signals the party’s strong backing for the student movement. As the rally prepares to march toward the Chief Minister’s residence, all eyes are on the BJP government’s response to this growing wave of dissent.
