The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has swept the student union elections at the Hyderabad Central University (HCU), ending six years of dominance by the Left alliance.
The comprehensive victory saw ABVP candidates winning all six key positions, capitalising on a fractured opposition and mounting anti-incumbency sentiment against the outgoing student union.
The win highlights the growing student support for ABVP overcoming the dominance of the Left wing, Dalit and NSUI unions over the last six years. The Congress-affiliated NSUI received fewer votes than NOTA, surprising many despite a Congress government ruling the State. The NSUI was never a strong force at the Hyderabad Central University though, but it always aligned with left-wing groups in the elections.
The election’s outcome can be attributed to multiple factors, chief among them being the fracturing of the previously dominant SFI-Ambedkar Students’ Association (ASA) alliance that had consistently controlled HCU politics. This split resulted in divided opposition votes across multiple panels, creating a clear path for ABVP’s coordinated campaign against fragmented competitors.
From the ABVP’s panel, Shiva Palepu was elected as President, Devendra as Vice President, Shruti as General Secretary, Saurabh Shukla as Joint Secretary, Jwala Prasad as Sports Secretary, and Venus as Cultural Secretary.
The ABVP also secured a majority by winning the councillor and board member positions at the school level.
“The victory signifies the students’ commitment to nationalism and a united effort to challenge divisive politics. Despite a heavy Leftist presence, ABVP’s success in social science departments underscores the students’ determination to break free from ideological influence,” said Antariksh, spokesperson of the ABVP.
ABVP’s campaign focused heavily on governance failures and institutional decline under previous leadership.
The results represent a significant ideological shift at HCU, traditionally known for its left-leaning student politics and association with movements like those associated with Rohith Vemula.
“ABVP’s relentless efforts in promoting campus peace, protecting HCU lands, and addressing students' concerns through movements have earned widespread support, making this victory a landmark moment in HCU’s history,” the ABVP said in a statement.
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