AFTER six years, Ambedkar University Delhi (AUD) has witnessed the resurgence of student democracy with the AUD Students' Council (AUDSC) elections. The Students' Federation of India (SFI) achieved a resounding victory, winning 24 out of 44 councillor seats, marking a new era of student activism. This victory reclaims the university space with the slogan of "Independence, Democracy, and Socialism."

This triumph comes after years of delays in conducting elections due to administrative repression, enrollment mismanagement, and the COVID-19 lockdown. However, SFI refused to back down. Leading the struggle, SFI mobilised students across all four campuses and pressured the administration, resulting in the long-awaited announcement of elections. The overwhelming mandate from AUD students is not just a victory for SFI but a historic moment that reaffirms the demand for a strong, independent, and student-led union.

In this election, SFI contested independently against AISA, ABVP, and independent candidates. Despite facing relentless misinformation campaigns, baseless allegations, and harassment of its activists, SFI emerged victorious, securing 24 councillor posts –16 in the Kashmere Gate campus, 5 in the Karampura campus, 1 in the Lodhi Road campus, and 2 in the Qutub Industrial Area campus.

On the other hand, the opposition failed to gain student trust. AISA and ABVP crumbled under the weight of their weak campaigns, securing only 6 and 4 councillor seats, respectively. Despite their attempts to tarnish SFI's credibility, their tactics failed as SFI's victory was driven by students' commitment to "rebuild, reclaim, and reimagine AUD" through a strong, student-led union. The campus-wise results reflect this resounding support, underscoring the students' faith in SFI's vision for the university.

SFI’s “Box for Change” campaign, launched to demand student elections, resonated deeply with students, shaping a manifesto that addressed urgent, real issues – scrapping the 75 per cent mandatory attendance rule, stopping fee hikes, improving campus infrastructure, ensuring timely scholarships, and reviving the Student Welfare Fund (SWF). Our commitments to reducing canteen prices, demanding a “functioning health centre,” pushing for “hostel expansions and fee reductions,” and strengthening student societies and sports facilities received overwhelming support. We also championed academic reforms, including removing mandatory end-semester exams and introducing paid teaching assistantships for research scholars. Our call to “strengthen the union, transform AUD” struck a chord with students, reaffirming their trust in our ongoing struggle for student rights and our hard-won victories over the years.

The election results at AUD reflect more than just a student vote – they are a decisive rejection of the hate-mongering and communal politics propagated by the BJP in the 2025 Delhi Assembly Elections. The student body has sent a clear message against the deterioration of academic spaces, crippling fee hikes, inadequate infrastructure, and the systematic targeting of dissenting voices by the administration. This election is not just about representation – it is a call for accountability and action.

The SFI-led AUDSC now turns to the Delhi government with an urgent question: Will they finally take responsibility for the appalling conditions at AUD? Will they act, or will they continue to ignore students' right to an affordable, accessible, and inclusive education? The students of AUD have spoken – loud and clear. We reject the commercialisation of education, the neglect of our campus, and the implementation of NEP and FYUP, and the erosion of student rights. This victory is not just for SFI – it is a warning to those who disregard the strength of the student movement. The students will no longer tolerate inaction.

This election has set a precedent for the student movement at AUD and beyond. The students have proven that when they unite, their voices cannot be silenced, their demands cannot be ignored, and their power cannot be underestimated. But the fight does not end here – SFI is committed to delivering on its promises, holding the administration accountable, and continuing to build Ambedkar’s AUD – a university that belongs to its students.

This victory is a testament to the power of collective resistance. As we move forward, we will ensure that this momentum translates into tangible change. The students of AUD have reclaimed their union, their voice, and their future.

Study & Struggle Long Live!