After an eight-year gap, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) is holding its student union elections for the 2026–27 session. However, instead of remaining confined to campus issues, the election campaign has brought national and international political concerns to the forefront, with references to Sharjeel Imam, Umar Khalid, Azam Khan, Gaza, Palestine, Iran, and Sudan featuring prominently in candidates' speeches.The campaign has also seen calls for the release of jailed political figures, references to Islamic history and appeals to a broader Muslim identity.

Presidential candidates Noman Ashraf and Mohd Inthikhab have used their campaign platforms to raise issues that extend well beyond the university, putting the nature and direction of student politics at the centre of the debate.SHARJEEL IMAM, UMA KHALID FEATURE IN AMU ELECTION CAMPAIGNOne of the prominent themes in presidential candidate Noman Ashraf's campaign has been the issue of political prisoners, particularly Sharjeel Imam and Umar Khalid, both of whom are facing legal proceedings in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case.Defending his references to the two activists, Ashraf questioned the use of labels such as 'terrorist' before the completion of legal proceedings. "You question why I spoke about political prisoners—why I mentioned Sharjeel Imam," he said."Whether it is Sharjeel Imam or Umar Khalid—I stated in my speech that no one has the right to take the law into their own hands. The court's verdict has not yet been delivered, and the trials have not even begun; how can you label someone a 'terrorist' or attach such a stigma to them?" he added.

His remarks brought the question of due process, political dissent and the treatment of accused individuals into the university's election discourse.GAZA, PALESTINE, IRAN AND SUDAN FIND PLACE IN CAMPAIGN SPEECHESInternational conflicts and the plight of Muslims in different parts of the world have also featured in Ashraf's campaign speeches.Addressing supporters, the presidential candidate expressed solidarity with people in Palestine, Iran and Sudan, invoking the idea of a global Muslim community, or Ummah-e-Muslima."People of Palestine, people of Iran and Sudan—my heart beats for you; my heart beats for you. There is no need to fear... the Ummah-e-Muslima stands with you," he said.He also invoked Islamic imagery, referring to the Ababeel, or birds mentioned in Islamic tradition, while expressing confidence in eventual victory and divine protection."After every dark night, a new dawn must come.

An army of Ababeels will arrive; victory will be yours, and Allah will protect you," he added.The remarks have brought international political and humanitarian concerns into an election that would ordinarily be expected to revolve around student representation, campus administration and academic issues.WHAT ELSE IS BECOMING A PART OF THE AMU ELECTION DEBATE?Another prominent issue raised during the campaign was the demand for the release of Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan, with presidential candidate Mohd Inthikhab expressing support for him and invoking the establishment of Jauhar University in Uttar Pradesh.Referring to Khan as an 'Old Boy', Inthikhab alleged that he had been kept in jail because he had established an educational institution. He condemned what he described as the treatment meted out to the politician and demanded his release."Our 'Old Boy', Azam Khan, has been kept in jail solely because he established a major institution for the people of India," he said."We condemn this in the strongest possible terms and demand his release," he added.Inthikhab also warned against any further action against Jauhar University, saying AMU students would stand in support of the institution."If anyone dares to cast an evil eye toward Jauhar University again, then these brave soldiers of Aligarh will stand before you like an unshakeable rock, and they will prove that this institution belongs to us," he said.His remarks brought the political and legal controversies surrounding Jauhar University into the AMU election campaign.QUESTION OF CAMPUS ISSUESThe return of student union elections after eight years has revived an important democratic exercise at one of India's prominent central universities.

However, the campaign rhetoric has also raised questions about the issues receiving the most attention.While candidates have invoked questions of constitutional rights, political imprisonment, international conflicts and religious solidarity, the extent to which campus-specific concerns are shaping the election remains an important part of the debate.With the 2026–27 AMU Students' Union elections underway, the speeches have demonstrated how student politics can become a platform for wider ideological and political conversations, often extending far beyond university boundaries.- Ends