NSUI expansion top priority, says new chief Vinod Jakhar

Newly appointed president of the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) , Vinod Jakhar , on Sunday said expanding and strengthening the student organisation across the country will be his immediate priority, adding that decisions on restructuring will be taken after consultations with workers nationwide.

Jakhar said he has recently assumed the responsibility and will travel across the country to understand the ground situation before taking key organisational decisions. Meetings will soon be held to discuss the future course of action and steps needed to strengthen the organisation across campuses, he said.

The Indian National Congress appointed Jakhar as the national president of the NSUI last month, replacing outgoing chief Varun Choudhary . The decision was taken by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge , according to a party statement.

Hailing from Rajasthan , Jakhar has emerged as a prominent young leader from student politics in the state. Born into a Dalit family , he rose through campus activism and is among the first leaders from such a background to head the organisation nationally.

Jakhar first gained prominence in 2014 when he became president of Rajasthan College. In 2018, he won the University of Rajasthan students’ union election as an independent candidate, becoming the first Dalit leader to hold the post in the university’s history.

Before taking charge nationally, he served as president of the NSUI’s Rajasthan unit.

On organisational expansion, Jakhar said the restructuring process will ensure representation for all sections of society, including Dalits, tribals, backward classes, women and students from diverse backgrounds.

Asked about his appointment, Jakhar said it reflects the thinking of Rahul Gandhi and Kharge to promote youth from humble backgrounds and prepare them for clean politics.

He also criticised the BJP government in Rajasthan , alleging that the situation in the state has deteriorated and people across sections are facing difficulties.