ABVP created history within the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) elections for 2025 by achieving a resounding victory in the central panel after a period of seven years. In a hotly fought election, ABVP’s Vaibhav Meena was elected as the Joint Secretary, representing a big political comeback of the student organisation within the political landscape of the university.
In the last results declared late Saturday evening, Nitish Kumar, a PhD research scholar, was re-elected President, Maneesha as Vice-President, and Munteeha Fatima as General Secretary — all supported by Left-affiliated outfits. However, ABVP‘s Vaibhav Meena spoiled the Left’s virtually unbroken monopoly by bagging the important slot of Joint Secretary, assuring ABVP presence on the JNUSU central panel for the first time after 2018.
The final count for the central panel was Left – 3, ABVP – 1, marking a dynamic change in JNU’s otherwise Left-oriented political culture. ABVP leaders and members celebrated the outcome as a historic return, endorsing their ongoing attempts to regain foothold at JNU.
How Did ABVP Break the Streak in JNUSU 2025?
The question everyone has in their minds is: How did ABVP succeed in breaking the Left’s traditional hold over the JNUSU central panel? Going by campus insiders, ABVP‘s concerted grass-root campaign, clear messaging over issues like safety on campus, academic reforms and nationalism struck a chord with a major section of the student base. By contrast, internal factionalism within Left groups allegedly undermined their consolidated grip, and ABVP was able to gain traction, especially in the fight for the Joint Secretary post.
Campaign watchers pointed out that ABVP strategically put up Vaibhav Meena, a candidate who was famous for grassroots activism and good relations with students from underprivileged communities. His win was not only a personal victory but also represented ABVP‘s achievement in expanding its reach among different student communities.
ABVP Celebrations and Responses
After the results were announced, jubilation scenes broke out among ABVP supporters on campus. “Vande Mataram,” “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” and “ABVP Zindabad” chanted the slogans in the air, with students dancing, waving saffron flags, and distributing sweets.
Addressing the media, top ABVP leaders described the win as a “turning point” in JNU politics. “This is not a victory for Vaibhav Meena; this is a victory for the ideology of nationalism, inclusiveness, and academic excellence that ABVP stands for,” declared a jubilant Delhi state ABVP leader.
In a press release, ABVP‘s national executive congratulated the JNU unit, reiterating that the organization will keep striving to make the campus a place of academic development, debate, and nationalist values. They also pledged to raise student issues more forcefully within the university forums now that they have won a seat on the central panel.
Historic Context: ABVP’s Return After Nine Years
The victory in 2025 assumes tremendous importance set against the background of ABVP‘s earlier woes in JNU. Since its last significant achievement in 2016, ABVP had suffered two consecutive losses in the central panel elections, with Left outfits sweeping nearly every year.
ABVP, however, continued steady work through student contact, cause-related mobilization, and coalition-forging with autonomous organizations. Most political observers are of the opinion that ABVP’s 2025 success is no miracle but the end result of prolonged strategic determination.
The ABVP‘s return to the JNUSU central committee after this extended period of absence highlights a larger political trend within JNU, as nationalist opinion is slowly gaining more traction among a traditionally Left-dominated student population.
What Lies Ahead for ABVP in JNU?
Looking to the future, ABVP plans to solidify its gains and move into more campuses within JNU. Their initial priority, said leaders, will be to put the students’ actual concerns—hostel availability, cheap food, improved placement assistance, campus security—top of the negotiating agenda with university authorities.
Vaibhav Meena, upon his win, said, “I dedicate this victory to all the students who aspire for a university that upholds academic excellence along with nationalism. This is just the beginning. ABVP will work day and night for all the students, regardless of ideology.”
The Left groups, however, despite having three major positions, recognized the need for reflection following ABVP‘s breakthrough. They emphasized unity and fresh campaigning to counteract ABVP‘s growing base.
A New Chapter in JNU’s Political Journey
The 2025 JNUSU elections have written a new chapter in the political history of one of India’s most politically charged universities. ABVP‘s first-ever win after a gap of seven years marks a turning point not just in JNU’s campus politics but perhaps even in the general direction of student politics in the country.
Although the Left still controls crucial positions, having ABVP in the center of the panel guarantees debates, policy, and student struggles will now face multifaceted ideological contestation. The next few months will be interesting to observe how ABVP uses this milestone victory and how it transforms the narrative within JNU.
For the moment, though, ABVP has reason to rejoice in a long-awaited and history-making return.
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