Aditi Mishra Makes History as JNU’s First Female President

Aditi Mishra has made history as the first woman president of the Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) since Aishe Ghosh in 2019. The election results, declared on November 7, 2025, saw the Left Unity alliance, which includes the All India Students’ Association (AISA), Students’ Federation of India (SFI), and Democratic Students’ Front (DSF), secure all key positions in the JNUSU elections.

Mishra, a PhD scholar from the Centre for Comparative Politics and Political Theory, received 1,861 votes, defeating her nearest rival, Vikas Patel from the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), who garnered 1,447 votes. This victory marks a significant comeback for the Left, which had lost a position to the ABVP in the previous election cycle.

Aditi Mishra’s Rise in Student Activism

Born in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Mishra’s journey in student activism began in 2017 during her time at Banaras Hindu University (BHU). She participated in protests against what was described as “undemocratic and patriarchal” curfew timings for women in hostels. Following her transfer to Pondicherry University in 2018, she became a prominent figure opposing the alleged “saffronisation” of the campus.

Her activism gained national attention in 2019 when she led demonstrations against an arbitrary fee hike at JNU, coinciding with the widespread protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA). Throughout these events, Mishra emerged as a strong advocate for the rights of marginalized students, using her platform to elevate their voices.

Mishra’s election as JNUSU president is not only historic but also reflects her commitment to addressing significant student issues. In her first address as president, she outlined her agenda, which includes enhancing library facilities, increasing scholarships, and opposing the National Education Policy (NEP).

The Left Alliance’s Dominance in JNUSU Elections

The Left alliance’s success extended beyond Mishra’s presidential victory. K Gopika Babu of the SFI won the vice-presidential position with 3,101 votes, defeating ABVP’s Tanya Kumari, who received 1,787 votes. This victory represented the largest margin in the election, showcasing the alliance’s stronghold over the student body.

In the race for general secretary, Sunil Yadav of the DSF secured 2,005 votes, narrowly defeating ABVP’s Rajeshwar Kant Dubey, who received 1,901 votes. The Left alliance also claimed the joint secretary post, with Danish Ali winning 2,083 votes against ABVP’s Anuj Damra, who managed 1,797 votes.

This year’s elections featured a total of 20 candidates vying for four central panel positions, including six women contenders, reflecting a growing diversity within student leadership at JNU.

Mishra’s victory signifies not just a personal achievement but also a broader trend of increasing female representation in student politics. As she embarks on her term, her leadership will be closely watched by students and observers alike, eager to see how she addresses the challenges facing the student community.