Rahul Sonpimple, the BAPSA candidate in the upcoming JNU Student Elections, spoke to Pradip Bhandari and Akriti Bhatia of Jan Ki Baat to enlighten us about some of the issues his party had picked up. Sonpimples personal experience and private pain had motivated him to speak out against the discriminatory practices against the backward classes. Century long oppression has finally taken a form in their strategies. The countrys hierarchical social structure prevents any rise of leadership from the backward classes and castes: Those who tried to co-opt us failed because we dont want to come in power if we are unable to raise the concern of the oppressed. The crowds relentless support already makes Sonpimple feels like a winner because he doesnt count victory through numbers but through sentiments.
The process of filing nominations has begun and the final list of candidates will be declared on September 1, followed by a press conference. Polling is set for September 9. Last year, CPIs student wing All India Students Federation (AISF) had won the JNUSU polls winning the presidents post, while ABVP had secured one of four central panel slots after a gap of 14 years.
BAPSA was formed in November 2014 on Birsa Munda Jayanti by some members of the United Dalit Students Forum (UDSF) a socio-cultural group of Dalit students who felt there was a need for Ambedkarite politics in the campus. Will it make its presence felt?