New Delhi & Patna – Democracy roared in India on November 6, 2025. In Delhi, students at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) handed a big win to the Left Unity alliance, taking all four top posts in the students’ union elections. This puts JNU’s famous red flag back on top after a tough fight. Meanwhile, in Bihar, voters came out in huge numbers for the first phase of assembly elections, hitting a record 64.66% turnout – the highest ever in the state’s 75-year history. Polling stayed calm, with only a few small clashes. The next phase is coming up on November 10. These events show how students and voters are demanding change on issues like education, jobs, and better lives.
For young Indians, JNU’s polls are a loud voice for their dreams. The Left’s win means fights for cheaper fees and safer campuses. In Bihar, the massive turnout signals anger over unemployment and floods. Let’s dive into both stories – who won, what happened, and why it matters.
JNU Elections 2025: Left Unity’s Big Comeback
JNU is known for its fiery debates and student power. The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) elections choose leaders who speak for students on fees, hostels, and rights. On November 4, about 6,058 of 9,043 students voted – a 67% turnout, a bit lower than last year’s 70%. Counting began on November 6 evening, and by midnight, Left Unity had swept all four central posts: president, vice-president, general secretary, and joint secretary.
Left Unity is a team of three groups: All India Students’ Association (AISA), Students’ Federation of India (SFI), and Democratic Students’ Front (DSF). They beat the RSS-backed Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), which won one post in 2024 but got nothing this time. Here’s who won:
- President: Aditi Mishra (AISA) with 1,937 votes, beating ABVP’s Vikas Patel (1,488 votes) by 449.
- Vice-President: Kizhakoot Gopika Babu (SFI) with 3,101 votes, crushing ABVP’s Tanya Kumari (1,787) by 1,314.
- General Secretary: Sunil Yadav (DSF) with 1,915 votes, edging ABVP’s Rajeshwar Kant Dubey (1,841) by 74.
- Joint Secretary: Danish Ali (AISA) with 1,991 votes over ABVP’s Anuj Damara (1,762) by 229.
The campus came alive with celebrations. Students waved red flags, sang songs, and danced near the admin block. “This is our JNU – free and fearless,” shouted one student from Kaveri hostel. Aditi Mishra told reporters, “Students voted for free education and safety. We’ll fight fee hikes and ensure everyone’s voice is heard.”
ABVP’s Vikas Patel admitted defeat but stayed defiant. “It was close. We’ll keep pushing for women’s safety and cultural events,” he said. ABVP’s loss hurts after last year’s small win broke a decade-long dry spell.
How JNU Voted: Campaign Fire and Key Issues
The election race started October 25 with nominations. By November 4, JNU was buzzing with posters, street plays, and late-night debates. Left Unity’s slogan was “Save JNU” – a call to stop fee hikes, fix hostel shortages, and probe recent campus attacks. They promised more scholarships and open protest spaces.
ABVP campaigned on “Beti Bachao, Sanskriti Bachao” – save daughters, save culture. They wanted more sports, yoga classes, and tougher rules on protests. Smaller groups like NSUI (Congress) and PSA pushed jobs and diversity but didn’t dent the big two.
Voting happened in two shifts: 9 AM-1 PM and 2-6 PM. Women led at 52% turnout. Counting began at 9 PM, with EVM results streamed live. By 2 AM, Left Unity’s sweep was clear.
Why the Left won? Their unity and focus on student wallets clicked. “Fees doubled in two years – students are angry,” said a JNU researcher. ABVP’s cultural pitch fell short in diverse JNU.
On X, #JNUSURedAgain hit 50,000+ posts. A viral video showed Gopika Babu leading a victory march. But some worried: “Same old left-right fight, no new ideas,” read one post.
Bihar Phase 1: Record Turnout Shows Voter Power
In Bihar, the first phase of assembly elections covered 121 seats across 18 districts, from Patna’s city streets to Muzaffarpur’s farms. On November 6, 2.42 crore of 3.75 crore voters cast ballots – a stunning 64.66% turnout, beating the 2000 record of 62.57%. It was mostly peaceful, with only small scuffles.
Top districts: Begusarai (67.32%), Samastipur (66.65%), Muzaffarpur (64.63%). Patna (55.02%) and Sheikhpura (52.36%) trailed. Women outvoted men, and 2.1 lakh seniors over 85 joined. Booths ran from 7 AM to 6 PM, with voters waiting even after dusk.
Bihar’s Chief Electoral Officer Vinod Gunjiyal praised it: “Historic turnout, smooth process – Bihar’s democracy shines.” He noted 143 complaints, like slow EVMs, fixed fast. Boycotts hit a few booths in Buxar and Lakhisarai, but no major trouble.
Big names in the race included Tejashwi Yadav (RJD) in Raghopur, Samrat Choudhary (BJP) in Supaul, and Vijay Kumar Sinha (JD(U)) in Andhratharhi. NDA (BJP-JD(U)) aims to keep power; Mahagathbandhan (RJD-Congress-Left) wants it back with job promises. Prashant Kishor’s Jan Suraaj ran in 30 seats, stirring the pot.
Bihar’s Campaign: Jobs, Floods, and Promises
Phase 1 hit areas like Seemanchal, hurt by floods, and urban Patna, seeking jobs. 1,314 candidates ran, including 90 women. NDA pushed Nitish Kumar’s roads and power; RJD hit on unemployment. Jan Suraaj’s Kishor said, “Old parties failed Bihar youth.”
Why so many voters? Chhath Puja brought migrants home. Women’s schemes like free rations boosted turnout. Political analyst Yogendra Yadav said, “High votes mean anger and hope mixed – Bihar wants change.”
Minor clashes in Fatuha and Suryagarha over queue jumps were quickly controlled. A Patna voter, Sunita Devi, told NDTV, “I voted for better schools and jobs for my kids.”
On X, #BiharPollsPhase1 crossed 100,000 posts. A viral photo of an 80-year-old woman voting got 5,000 likes: “Bihar’s spirit!”
Why These Wins Matter: Students and Voters Shape Future
JNU’s Left sweep shows students want affordable education and free speech. It’s a boost for AISA and SFI nationally. Bihar’s turnout signals a tight race – NDA or RJD could tip based on phase 2.
Left Unity plans to meet soon on hostel fixes. In Bihar, rallies heat up for Nov 10’s 122 seats. Counting on Nov 14 will set the stage.
Voices That Echo: Quotes from the Day
- Aditi Mishra (JNUSU President): “This win is for every student struggling with fees. We’ll fight for you.”
- K Gopika Babu (Vice-President): “Women’s votes powered us. JNU will stay inclusive.”
- Sunil Yadav (General Secretary): “Close margins mean we unite more. Hostels first.”
- Danish Ali (Joint Secretary): “JNU is for ideas, not control. We’ll keep it free.”
- PM Narendra Modi: “Bihar’s record turnout proves faith in NDA’s progress.”
- Tejashwi Yadav (RJD): “People voted against jobless promises. Results will show.”
- Vinod Gunjiyal (Bihar CEO): “Smooth polls, huge turnout – Bihar sets an example.”
- Anita Kumari (Bihar Voter): “Stood in line for hours, but it’s for our kids’ future.”
- Rahul Sharma (JNU Student): “Left’s win means JNU stays a place for free thought.”
These voices show the fire in India’s democracy.
FAQs: All Your Questions Answered
1. Who won the JNUSU elections 2025?
Left Unity (AISA, SFI, DSF) won all four posts: Aditi Mishra (President, 1,937 votes), K Gopika Babu (Vice-President, 3,101), Sunil Yadav (General Secretary, 1,915), Danish Ali (Joint Secretary, 1,991). They beat ABVP by margins from 74 to 1,314 votes.
2. What was the turnout for JNUSU polls 2025?
67%, with 6,058 of 9,043 students voting on Nov 4. Women made up 52%. Lower than 2024’s 70%, but strong.
3. Why did Left Unity sweep JNU?
Their focus on fee cuts, hostel upgrades, and campus safety hit home. Unity of AISA, SFI, DSF outpowered ABVP’s solo campaign on culture and sports.
4. What was Bihar’s phase 1 turnout in 2025?
64.66%, a 75-year high, with 2.42 crore votes from 3.75 crore eligible across 121 seats on Nov 6.
5. Was Bihar phase 1 peaceful?
Mostly – minor clashes in Fatuha and Suryagarha over queues. 143 issues fixed; small boycotts in Buxar, Lakhisarai.
6. Which Bihar districts had highest turnout?
Begusarai (67.32%), Samastipur (66.65%), Muzaffarpur (64.63%). Patna (55.02%) and Sheikhpura (52.36%) lowest.
7. Who were key candidates in Bihar phase 1?
Tejashwi Yadav (RJD, Raghopur), Samrat Choudhary (BJP, Supaul), Vijay Kumar Sinha (JD(U), Andhratharhi). 1,314 ran, 90 women.
8. When are Bihar phase 2 and results?
Phase 2: Nov 10, 122 seats. Results for all 243 seats: Nov 14.
9. How do JNU results affect politics outside?
Boosts Left’s campus clout, signals youth care about social justice. Hurts ABVP’s push for RSS ideas.
10. Why such high turnout in Bihar?
Chhath Puja brought migrants back, women’s schemes worked, and anger over jobs and floods pushed voters out.
JNU and Bihar prove one thing: India’s youth and voters are ready for change. Share your thoughts!