AAPSU election 2026-29: A saga of missteps

The All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) elections for the 2026-2029 term have been marred by serious allegations of corruption, institutional failure, and a pervasive ‘money culture’ that threatens the very foundation of student leadership in the state.

As of late March 2026, the election process is overshadowed by a reported FIR lodged by the Save Arunachal Youth Association (SAYA), alleging illegal monetary demands.

The Rs 5 crore demand: Specific allegations have surfaced, claiming that the election team or associated parties demanded up to Rs 5 crore from aspiring candidates to influence eligibility for the post of president.

Although the election team has refuted the allegations, the viral audio clip involving one of the key members of the election team and the series of disqualification of aspiring candidates raises serious concerns and doubts.

Disqualifications and systematic inefficiency: The disqualification of high-profile candidates has triggered widespread unrest and protests across Itanagar.

High-profile rejections: Presidential aspirant Likha Akash and other candidates like Akom Mogu Laxmi and many other aspiring candidates have had their nominations rejected for the key post of AAPSU convener, leading to accusations of a biased and non-transparent scrutiny process.

Procedural delays: Aspiring candidates have faced months of uncertainty due to delays in publishing the amended byelaws, with some alleging that the lack of clear rules was a deliberate tactic to create confusion.

Exam overlaps and hardship to commuters & residents: The timing of the election has been heavily criticised for overlapping with peak academic sessions and board examinations, leading institutions like Dera Natung Government College (DNGC) to refuse hosting the event due to academic disruptions.

Also, with DNGC turning into a violent battleground, it has seriously implications on the safety and wellbeing of the commuters and residents of the nearby colonies. A fragile and weak deployment of forces further only aggravates the fear of law and order situation being breached.

Inevitable violence and voter harassment: The lack of transparency has directly translated into physical confrontations.

Stone pelting and scuffles: Reports indicate instances of stone pelting during the nomination process and brawls outside venues just before scrutiny.

Voter disturbance: Residents and students alike have voiced fears of disturbance to peace, especially as election activities moved to sensitive areas like Siddhartha Hall.

My Vote for Right Choice: A call to action: The ‘My Vote for Right Choice’ neutral awareness campaign, led by figures like Techi Rana, has emerged as a voice for reform, emphasising merit-based leadership and transparent voting. The campaign strongly condemns the current atmosphere of intimidation and calls for:

1.Court-monitored elections: To ensure a free, fair, and transparent process that is no longer used as a ‘political tool’ by external influences.

2.Youth responsibility: A plea to educated youth voters to fill the leadership vacuum in Arunachal Pradesh by casting their votes responsibly and looking beyond monetary inducements. The campaign have laid the foundation through it’s intensive field research and documentation and has given a opportunity and reason to vote for aspiring candidates who have shown commitments to stand for the cause of student-centric issues if elected.

Voters, be aware of the who’s who of the past four years of AAPSU leadership and its outcome. Therefore, now the ball is in your court. Stand firm and steer clear of regionalism, clanism and personal ties and interest for the responsible collective representation. Because your voice matters, your vote counts. The future of Arunachal’s leadership rests in the hands of students who refuse to let their democratic rights be bought, or be bullied.

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