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Key Points

Patna University has made history with its first female student union president. ABVP's Maithili Mrinalini led a sweep of women candidates winning key positions. The election saw intense competition between ABVP and NSUI with 45% voter turnout. This marks a turning point for women's leadership in Bihar's student politics.

Key Points: ABVP's Maithili Mrinalini Makes History as First Woman PUSU President

  • ABVP's Maithili Mrinalini wins historic PUSU presidency
  • Women secure 3 key posts including treasurer
  • 45% voter turnout in closely watched election
  • Marks shift toward female leadership in Bihar student politics
2 min read

Bihar: Women candidates make history with landmark victories in PUSU elections

Bihar's Patna University sees landmark PUSU election with women sweeping key posts, including ABVP's Maithili Mrinalini as first female president.

"The faith you have shown in us is something we never want to let down – Maithili Mrinalini"

New Delhi, March 30

Patna University Student Union (PUSU) elections have made history as three key positions for the first time, including the president's post, have been won by women candidates.

Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad's (ABVP) Maithili Mrinalini emerged victorious in the Presidential race, marking the first time in the university's 107-year history when a woman has been elected to the top post.

The election witnessed a 45 per cent voter turnout, with Mrinalini securing 3,524 votes and defeating NSUI's Manoranjan Raja by 603 votes, who finished second with 2,921 votes.

Independent candidate Dheeraj Kumar won the vice president's post. Apart from Mrinalini's win, Saloni Raj was elected as the General Secretary. Soumya Srivastava secured the Treasurer's post, further cementing this election as a landmark moment for female leadership in student politics.

Following her victory, Maithili Mrinalini expressed gratitude to the students, acknowledging the weight of responsibility that comes with the position.

"First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all. A huge, huge thank you from the bottom of my heart for coming here, showing your support, and placing your trust in us," she told IANS.

Maithili Mrinalini added that at this moment, she is not just overwhelmed with happiness but also deeply aware of the immense sense of responsibility that comes with it.

"The faith you (students) have shown in us is something we never want to let down," she promised.

The elections saw intense competition between the student wings of the two major political parties, ABVP and NSUI. The Jan Suraaj had also initially fielded its candidate but later withdrew from the contest, extending unconditional support to NSUI.

With approximately 20,000 eligible voters spread across 12 colleges, the elections were closely watched. The voting process was completed in a single day while the counting was held on the same night.

The results mark a shift in the university's student politics, emphasising greater female participation and leadership.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
This is such an inspiring moment! 🎉 Women breaking barriers in student politics gives me hope for more inclusive leadership in our country. Maithili's speech shows such maturity - she understands this is about responsibility, not just victory.
R
Rahul S.
While I celebrate this milestone, I wonder why it took 107 years? The university should examine what systemic barriers existed before that prevented women from reaching these positions. Still, better late than never!
A
Anjali P.
As a Patna University alumna, I'm emotional reading this! We've come so far from when I was a student. These young women are making history and will inspire so many girls to step forward. #WomenLeadingTheWay
V
Vikram J.
The 603-vote margin shows it was a close fight. Hope this leads to healthy competition rather than division. All candidates should now work together for student welfare regardless of party lines.
S
Sunita M.
My daughter studies at Patna University and she's been texting me excitedly about this all morning! Representation matters so much - now girls can see themselves in these leadership roles. 👏

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