Jamia Students Continue Protest, Demand Fixed Date for Students' Union Elections
Jamia students continue their protest demanding a fixed date for student union elections after the university promises polls within 15 days of constitution approval.
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Students of Jamia Millia Islamia in Delhi have refused to call off their protest demanding the restoration of the university's elected students' union. The decision came after the university administration announced that elections would be held within 15 days of approval of the union's constitution.
The students have said that the order does not provide a fixed deadline for approving the constitution, leaving the election schedule uncertain. The administration issued the order on October 26, 2026, following discussions with protesting students.
The university has also revoked suspension and show-cause notices issued during the protest and announced an inquiry into the conduct of security personnel. However, disagreements over the election timeline and other conditions have continued.
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Why Are Jamia Students Protesting?
The students are demanding the restoration of the Jamia Millia Islamia Students' Union (JMISU), whose elections have not been held since 2005.
Their demands include a clear election schedule, withdrawal of disciplinary action against protesting students and an inquiry into the conduct of security personnel during the agitation.
The protest began on October 11, 2026, and students started a hunger strike the following day. They have argued that the process of drafting a new constitution should not delay the announcement of election dates indefinitely.
What Has the Jamia Administration Announced?
In its October 26 order, the university administration stated that student union elections would take place within 15 days of approval of the union's constitution.
The administration also announced the withdrawal of suspension and show-cause notices issued during the protest. In addition, it said a committee would be formed to investigate the conduct of security personnel during the agitation.
However, the order requires protesting students to issue a public apology for allegedly defamatory statements, actions or social media posts directed at the administration. It also directs them to remove the relevant posts.
Students have objected to these conditions and said that the order does not fully address their demands.
Why Have Students Rejected the Election Schedule?
The main point of disagreement is the absence of a fixed deadline for approving the union's constitution. Although the administration has promised elections within 15 days of approval, it has not specified when that approval will take place.
Students want a clear, time-bound schedule so that the election process does not face further delays. They have also raised concerns about disciplinary action and the treatment of protesters during the agitation.
Hunger Strike Continues at Jamia
Despite the administration's order, two students, Ebin Basil and Rehan Khan, continued their hunger strike, according to media reports published on October 26.
Other students have also remained involved in the agitation. The ongoing protest has led to heightened security on campus, and the university had shifted classes online amid tensions.
The administration's announcement marks progress towards holding elections, but the disagreement over the timeline and conditions means the dispute remains unresolved.
What happens next?
The next step will depend on whether the university provides a clearer timeline for approving the constitution and addresses the remaining concerns raised by students. Until then, the demand for a definite election schedule remains central to the protest.
Anjali is an education journalist with over a year of experience in digital and business journalism. She has previously worked with BW Businessworld and ANI, where she gained experience in news writing, editing, research, and fact-checking. At Jagran Josh, she writes education news and covers competitive exams and current affairs, with a keen interest in delivering accurate, informative, and reader-focused content. She holds a BA from Miranda House, University of Delhi, and a postgraduate diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC). Anjali enjoys reading and exploring new ideas and perspectives through books.
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