Vinod Jakhar has been appointed as the new National President of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), the student wing of the Indian National Congress. His appointment was approved by Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge after consultations with senior party leaders, including Rahul Gandhi.
Jakhar replaces Varun Choudhary and becomes the first leader from Rajasthan to head the organisation at the national level.
Here are five key things to know about him:
1. First from Rajasthan to Lead NSUI Nationally
Vinod Jakhar’s appointment marks a historic moment for Rajasthan. He is the first leader from the state to take charge of the NSUI at the national level, signalling a broader regional representation within the Congress’s student wing.
2. Academic Background and Early Life
Born on September 7, 1994, in Viratnagar tehsil of Jaipur district, Rajasthan, Jakhar comes from a modest background. His father worked as a mason.
He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a Master’s degree in Sociology (completed in 2017). He is also pursuing a Master’s degree in Rajasthani.
3. Rise in Student Politics
Jakhar first gained prominence in 2014 when he was elected President of Rajasthan College.
In 2018, after reportedly being denied an NSUI ticket for the Rajasthan University student union elections, he contested as an independent candidate and won. He became the first Dalit president in the university’s 70-year history — a milestone in student politics in the state.
In January 2024, he was appointed State President of Rajasthan NSUI, strengthening his organisational experience.
4. Advocacy and Campaigns
Jakhar has been vocal about restoring student union elections in Rajasthan. He also participated in an 800-kilometre cycle yatra focused on raising awareness against drug abuse.
His supporters describe him as a leader committed to student rights and social justice.
5. Controversies and Legal Challenges
In 2025, Jakhar was involved in protests against an RSS-linked event at Rajasthan University, which led to his arrest. He later secured bail from the Rajasthan High Court in October 2025.
Despite facing a show-cause notice in early 2026 regarding alleged unauthorised appointments within the state unit, he emerged as the party’s choice for the national leadership role.
About NSUI
Founded on April 9, 1971, by former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the National Students’ Union of India is the student wing of the Congress party. With a claimed membership of around 4 million and presence in approximately 15,000 colleges nationwide, it is considered one of the largest student organisations in the world.
Following the announcement, NSUI stated that it would continue to strengthen its commitment to student rights, social justice, and democratic values under Jakhar’s leadership.
