NSUI Protests Outside CM House Over Student Union Poll Delay in Raipur

NSUI workers staged a protest demanding restoration of student union elections in Raipur, alleging the government is avoiding polls over fear of defeat.

Protest Near CM House

Tension briefly escalated in Raipur on Thursday as members of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) marched towards the Chief Minister’s residence demanding the restoration of student union elections in Chhattisgarh colleges and universities.

Workers from multiple districts gathered near Mahila Thana Chowk before beginning the march towards the CM House. The protest was led by senior NSUI office-bearers along with Congress leaders, including MLA Devendra Yadav.

Heavy police deployment was seen around the CM House area from the morning itself. Barricades were placed at several points and security arrangements were tightened in four layers anticipating a large gathering.

Barricades Breached

As protesters attempted to move ahead towards the restricted zone, police stopped them near the barricading. A brief scuffle followed after several workers allegedly tried to push through the barricades.

According to officials present at the spot, some protesters threw sticks during the confrontation, though no serious injuries were reported till late evening. Police personnel later managed to disperse the crowd and prevent further movement towards the CM residence.

Visuals from the protest showed NSUI members climbing barricades, lying on roads during the demonstration, and raising slogans against the state government. One protester also arrived on a bulldozer, drawing attention during the agitation.

Congress Targets Government

Congress leaders accused the BJP-led state government of intentionally delaying student union elections fearing defeat at the campus level.

Addressing party workers during the protest, Congress MLA Devendra Yadav claimed the government was aware that NSUI-backed candidates would secure large victories if elections were held.

“The government is scared of losing student elections. Students are ready to challenge the system,” he said while addressing supporters gathered at the venue.

His remarks on political struggle also drew attention during the protest. Referring to NSUI National President Vinod Jakhar, Yadav said leaders who fight and even go to jail often rise politically within the party structure.

Vinod Jakhar Addresses Workers

NSUI National President Vinod Jakhar also addressed the gathering and spoke about his own political journey through student politics.

He said he became Rajasthan University president before later serving in organisational roles within NSUI. Jakhar added that the Congress gives opportunities to people from ordinary families who may not have a political background.

“Rahul Gandhi wants young people to come forward and challenge the government,” he told workers during the programme.

The protest meeting witnessed the presence of both NSUI and Congress leaders on the same stage, signalling the party’s attempt to sharpen its outreach among students ahead of future political campaigns in the state.

Demand For Elections

NSUI leaders have been demanding the revival of regular student union elections in colleges across Chhattisgarh. Student leaders argue that campus elections are necessary for democratic participation and leadership development among youth.

The issue has remained politically sensitive in the state, with opposition parties repeatedly accusing the government of delaying the process without a clear timeline.

Several protesters said students from different districts had travelled overnight to participate in Thursday’s agitation in Raipur.

Security Remained Tight

Even after the main crowd was dispersed, security remained heightened around the CM House area till late afternoon. Traffic movement on some connecting roads was also briefly affected because of the protest and police deployment.

Officials said the situation was eventually brought under control and no major law-and-order breakdown occurred during the demonstration.

NSUI leaders indicated that further protests could be organised if the government does not announce a decision regarding student union elections in the coming weeks.