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Jamia Millia Islamia Orders Student Union Polls, Protests Intensify
Following a two-decade hiatus, Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) has announced plans to hold student union elections. However, the decision has been met with significant resistance from students, who are currently engaged in hunger strikes and staging protests demanding broader reforms beyond just the election process. The university has ordered the polls to be conducted within 15 days of the constitution’s approval, but student groups maintain their opposition and are vowing to continue their demonstrations.
Timeline of Events
The initial announcement of the student union polls was made on October 26, 2026, following the approval of a revised constitution. According to a press release from JMI, the elections must be completed within 15 days of the constitution’s acceptance. This marks the first time a student union has been formally reinstated at the university in approximately 20 years. Prior to this announcement, students had been protesting for greater autonomy and changes to the university’s administrative structure.
Two students, identified as Sahil Khan and Fatima Ali, initiated a hunger strike on October 25, 2026, demanding the complete withdrawal of the proposed constitution and a commitment to addressing their core demands. As of today, October 26, 2026, they remain on strike.
Student Demands
The students’ protests extend beyond the immediate issue of the student union election. Their primary demands include:
- A complete overhaul of the university’s constitution, asserting greater student representation and decision-making power.
- Increased transparency in university administration.
- Addressing concerns regarding academic freedom and faculty-student relations.
- A commitment to inclusive policies and addressing historical grievances.
Students claim the current constitution, while representing a step forward, still falls short of ensuring genuine student participation and accountability within the university. They argue that simply holding elections without addressing these underlying issues is a superficial solution.
University Response and Subsequent Protests
Following the announcement of the polls, fresh protests erupted at JMI on October 26, 2026. Security personnel detained several students participating in the demonstrations. The university administration has stated its commitment to upholding the order for the election’s conduct, while also emphasizing its willingness to engage in dialogue with student representatives. However, students have rejected the administration’s offer of a meeting, insisting that their demands must be met before any elections proceed.
“We are not against elections in principle,” stated a spokesperson for the protesting students, “but we are fundamentally opposed to the way these elections are being presented. We want a fundamental shift in the way the university operates, not just a cosmetic change.”
Official Statements and Procedures
A notification released by JMI on October 26, 2026, details the process for the upcoming elections. The notification outlines eligibility criteria for student participation, the nomination process, and the schedule for various stages of the election. Interested students are advised to consult the JMI website (https://jamiamilliaindia.ac.in/) for further details. The university has also established a committee to oversee the election process and ensure fair conduct.
As of this reporting, the situation remains tense. The university’s decision to proceed with the elections despite continued student opposition highlights a significant challenge for the administration. The outcome of the ongoing protests and the university’s response will undoubtedly shape the future of student governance at Jamia Millia Islamia.
Based on reporting by The Hindu. Read the original report.
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