Jote's Rise: RUCSU 2025 Election Heats Up

The upcoming Rajshahi University Central Students' Union (RUCSU) election in 2025 signifies more than just a change in student represent...

The upcoming Rajshahi University Central Students' Union (RUCSU) election in 2025 signifies more than just a change in student representatives; it represents a potential transformation in the very nature of campus politics. This shift involves moving away from traditional ideological battles and confrontational tactics toward a focus on practical issues, tangible service, and collaborative problem-solving. This new approach is particularly evident in the campaigns of several new candidates, who are emphasizing a continuous "proof-based campaign" centered on demonstrating "procedural steps & microresults."

The Central Contest: Two Competing Forces

The election is shaping up to be primarily a competition between two major panels, each with distinct strategies and strengths.

• Sommilito Shikkharthi Jote: This panel enters the election as the established and experienced force. They are recognized for their organization and data-driven approach. They currently hold a significant lead in overall engagement and maintain a remarkably positive tone in their communications. The Jote panel is perceived as disciplined and focused on leveraging data to drive their campaign.

• Oikkoboddo Notun Projanmo: This panel, backed by JCD, is positioning itself as the voice of change, introducing fresh faces into the campus political scene. These candidates are generally academically strong and have not been previously involved in contentious political activities. Their key candidates are running on platforms emphasizing process improvements, policy reforms, and inclusive governance. While Oikkoboddo maintains a substantial presence, they carry a higher negative sentiment compared to Jote, a factor they need to address to sway undecided voters.

A key element of Oikkoboddo's campaign is the introduction of a new political vocabulary. They are running a continuous "proof-based campaign" that highlights "procedural steps and microresults," such as improved transparency in seat allocation and increased Wi-Fi uptime. This represents a significant departure from the confrontational and often unproductive models of student politics that have been prevalent in the past.

Key Individual Races: A Closer Look

While the Jote panel is predicted to perform well overall, the individual races for specific positions are highly competitive.

• Vice President (VP): The race for VP is currently led by Mostakur Rahman from Jote. He holds a consistent lead in engagement compared to his opponent, Sheikh Nur Uddin from Oikkoboddo.

• General Secretary (GS): Fahim Reza from Jote leads in terms of overall reach and engagement. However, his opponent, Nafiul Islam Jibon from Oikkoboddo, boasts the highest positive tone of any major candidate, potentially giving him an edge in winning over voters who prioritize a positive and constructive approach.

• Assistant General Secretary (AGS): The race for AGS is considered the most closely contested, described as a "photofinish." S M Salman Sabbir from Jote has a slight lead in engagement, but his rival, Zahin Biswas Esha from Oikkoboddo, is close behind. While Esha has a significant reach, Salman's campaign is perceived as having a cleaner tone, a factor that could prove decisive in this tight race.

What Voters Want: Service and Fairness

The ultimate outcome of the election will depend not on traditional ideological loyalties, but on the candidates' ability to address the practical needs and concerns of the student body. Students are prioritizing "unity-driven fairness with service visibility." While the election process itself is a major topic of discussion, the themes of unity and improved services and facilities are significant factors influencing voters. Students are looking for leaders who can effectively advocate for their interests and hold the administration accountable, ensuring transparency and responsiveness.

A Turning Point?

The RUCSU Election 2025 represents a crucial test of whether students are ready to embrace a new model of student leadership. Will they opt for the "comfort of old-school, transactional politics" or support a "longer game" focused on building more accountable and responsive institutions? Regardless of the final results, the election has already marked a significant turning point. It has helped to institutionalize a data-driven, digital-first, and policy-minded approach to student leadership, successfully shifting the tone of campus politics. This election could pave the way for a more effective and collaborative student government that truly represents the interests of the entire student body.