Tribhuvan University (TU) has decided to conduct Student Union elections, which were postponed last year, on February 27. Following this decision, student unions affiliated to different political parties have started making preparations for the electoral campaigns. Student unions are student bodies

supposedly formed to protect and promote the interests of students. They also serve as the link between students and university management. Student bodies, during the tenure they are elected for, are

supposed to act as a go-between and voice students’ concerns and grievances from time to time.

Sadly, differences of opinion and internecine conflict among student bodies have often hindered them from functioning as bodies formed for students’ welfare. Also, during the elections, all the academic activities come to a standstill for weeks affecting academic activities. Violence that marks elections from time to time is also among major bugbears for Tribhuvan University students. Worse still, student unions are often guided by their own selfish interests rather than by those of students, which is why they are often manipulated by political leaders. This has made Tribhuvan University a breeding ground for politics rather than scholars and academicians. The deteriorating quality of education in campuses affiliated to Tribhuvan University can mostly be attributed to too much politics.