Left student groups oppose curbs on participation in student union elections in colleges, varsities

Four Left student organisations have opposed the State government’s decision to hold student union elections in colleges and universities with restrictions on candidates representing student or ideological organisations.

The All India Democratic Students’ Organisation (AIDSO), All India Students’ Federation (AISF), Students’ Federation of India (SFI) and All India Students’ Association (AISA), in a joint statement, said they welcomed the decision to conduct student union elections but objected to the reported restriction on candidates representing organisations or ideological groups.

The organisations have contended that student unions should provide a platform for students to collectively raise issues concerning education, campus facilities and other matters affecting them. They alleged that preventing candidates from representing student organisations would limit organised student participation in campus democracy.