Newly elected general secretary of Patna University Students’ Union (PUSU), Saloni Raj, made headlines by refusing to take oath at the central panel ceremony, citing the continued closure of boys’ hostels. Her move, applauded by students, has reignited debates around student accommodation and the university administration’s handling of the issue.
Saloni Raj, who won as an independent candidate with the highest number of votes (4,274), took the stage at the Wheeler Senate Hall and declared she would not take the oath until the hostels are reopened. She said her victory symbolized the support of students, especially those from outside the city who rely on hostel facilities. “This victory is for my brothers who stood with me. Hostel allotment was one of our key demands during the election agitation. I will not take oath until that demand is met,” she said, drawing loud cheers from the audience.
Hostels Remain Closed Since November
The boys’ hostels have remained shut since November following unrest, affecting several outstation students. Despite repeated appeals, including during meetings with the Chancellor last October, the university has yet to reopen or reallot the hostels. Students have expressed growing frustration over the lack of accommodation, with many struggling to find affordable options in the city.
All Eyes on University Response
While the rest of the PUSU central panel, including president Maithil Mrinalini (backed by ABVP), vice president Dheeraj Kumar, joint secretary Somya Srivastava, and treasurer Rohan, took the oath, Saloni’s defiance dominated the event. Her bold stance has added a new dimension to the campus politics of Patna University, often known as the cradle of student activism since the JP movement.
This year’s PUSU elections saw a significant shift with women and independent candidates emerging as strong contenders. Three out of five central posts were won by women, marking a notable moment in the campus’s political landscape. Despite PUSU’s declining influence in mainstream politics over the years, the protest over hostel issues has brought its relevance back into focus, forcing university authorities to reconsider their stand amid growing student pressure.
