Jaipur : Amid protests by the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) demanding immediate students’ union elections across universities and colleges in Rajasthan, Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Premchand Bairwa has responded, placing the blame on the previous Congress government for halting the election process.
Speaking on the matter, Dr. Bairwa said, “The previous Congress had stopped the students’ union elections. Our focus is on providing good education to the students. Currently, admissions are going on.”
The statement came in response to ongoing demonstrations led by NSUI, the student wing of the Congress party, which accused the current state government of deliberately delaying the electoral process in higher education institutions. Protesters held placards and raised slogans across university campuses, demanding the reinstatement of student democracy.
Dr. Bairwa reiterated that the current government’s priority is streamlining the academic calendar and ensuring quality education. “We are committed to building a better academic environment first. Once admissions are complete and regular classes commence, further decisions will be taken in the best interest of students,” he added.
NSUI leaders, however, argue that student representation is essential for voicing campus-related issues and ensuring accountability. They claim that delaying elections infringes on students’ democratic rights and undermines student welfare.
Political observers see this clash as part of the broader ongoing tussle between BJP and Congress-aligned student bodies in the run-up to the next academic year. While the government maintains it is focusing on core educational priorities, the demand for students’ union elections is likely to remain a pressing issue on Rajasthan’s academic and political landscape.