Student union elections in Uttar Pradesh universities have been a topic of concern as many institutions have not held these elections for years. Following the restoration of student unions in Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) and Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), students at other universities in the state have also intensified their demands for elections.
Banaras Hindu University (BHU): Nearly 30 Years Without Elections
Located in Varanasi, BHU last held student union elections in 1996-97. These elections were marked by major violence reportedly triggered by the rejection of a candidate’s nomination, leading to clashes involving stone-pelting, bombs, and even gunfire. One police officer was seriously injured. Due to the unrest, elections have not been held since.
In 2011-12, BHU administration formed a Student Council that allowed students to elect representatives but was not equivalent to a student union. This arrangement was short-lived. Student demands for reinstating the student union continue to surface periodically.
Lucknow University: Waiting Since 2005
Lucknow University last conducted student union elections in 2005. Following the implementation of new rules based on the Lingdoh Committee recommendations in 2006, including age and criminal record restrictions for candidates, opposition from students escalated into violent protests. Two students lost their lives, and the university was closed indefinitely by the then Vice-Chancellor. Attempts to hold elections in 2012 were thwarted by legal challenges, and since then, students have been demanding reinstatement of the elections.
NAAC A
NIRF #6 (2025)Banaras Hindu UniversityVaranasi, Uttar PradeshAdmission: CUET UG, CUET PG, NET/JRFEst. 1916View details
NAAC A+
NIRF #10 (2025)Aligarh Muslim UniversityAligarh, Uttar PradeshAdmission: CUET UG, CUET PG, NET/JRFEst. 1920View detailsBBAUNAAC A
NIRF #37 (2025)Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar UniversityLucknow, Uttar PradeshAdmission: CUET UG, CUET PG, NET/JRFEst. 1996View details
NAAC B++
Central UniversityAllahabad UniversityPrayagraj, Uttar PradeshAdmission: CUET UG, CUET PG, NET/JRFEst. 1887View detailsRGNAU
Central UniversityRajiv Gandhi National Aviation UniversityRaebareli, Uttar PradeshAdmission: Own EntranceEst. 2013View detailsRLBCA
Central UniversityRani Lakshmi Bai Central Agricultural UniversityJhansi, Uttar PradeshAdmission: CUET UG, CUET PG, ICAR AIEEAEst. 2014View detailsUniversity of Allahabad: Student Council Instead of Union
Allahabad University last held student union elections in 2018. In 2019, the administration replaced the student union with a Student Council due to concerns over rivalry-related violence, illegal hostel room occupations, and damage to property. Notably, the student union winner’s hostel room was set on fire in 2018, which heightened tensions. Despite this change, students continue to demand restoration of the traditional student union system.
Current Movement and Future Prospects
After the successful reinstatement of student unions at JMI and AMU following student protests and hunger strikes, there is renewed hope and pressure in Uttar Pradesh for other universities, including BHU and Lucknow University, to resume student union elections. The student bodies continue to raise their voices for fair representation and participatory governance.
