Arunachal: Likha Akash promises inclusive leadership ahead of crucial AAPSU elections

As the race for the top post in Arunachal Pradesh’s most influential student body gathers momentum, the political temperature within campuses across the state has begun to rise. The apex students’ organisation, All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union, has formally set the stage for its upcoming 2026–29 term elections, with presidential aspirants stepping forward to articulate their vision before the student community. 

In a significant pre-election initiative titled “Know Your Leader,” candidates addressed students at the auditorium of Rajiv Gandhi University, marking the beginning of what promises to be a closely contested battle.

Among the prominent voices was presidential candidate Likha Akash, who laid out a detailed roadmap for strengthening student representation and addressing the pressing concerns of youth in Arunachal Pradesh. Thanking the Rajiv Gandhi University Students’ Union for providing a democratic platform to the contestants, Akash described the initiative as a progressive step toward informed student participation.

With the 2026–29 tenure approaching, Akash underscored the need for rotational representation within AAPSU’s leadership structure. He argued that inclusive and structured rotation would ensure equitable opportunities for all communities and regions, prevent monopolisation of key positions, and foster unity within the diverse student population of the state. According to him, balanced representation is crucial to preserving the integrity and credibility of the apex students’ body.

Addressing the media, Akash assured that long-pending student grievances would be resolved in a time-bound and result-oriented manner if elected. He pledged a proactive administrative approach, stronger grievance redressal mechanisms, and more effective policy implementation to enhance the functioning of the union.

Highlighting unemployment as one of the gravest challenges confronting Arunachal’s youth, Akash placed employment generation and self-employment initiatives at the core of his agenda. He stressed the need for skill development programmes, entrepreneurship support, and expanded access to career opportunities. Student organisations, he asserted, must move beyond protest-driven activism and contribute constructively to shaping economic prospects for the younger generation.

Reaffirming his commitment to transparency and accountability, Akash called for collective and consultative leadership within AAPSU. He urged students across the state to actively engage in the democratic process and help build a stronger, more unified student movement for the coming term.

The high-stakes election has drawn four candidates into the fray — Meje Taku, Debia Muj, Byabang Hapo Dui, and Likha Akash — making it one of the most closely watched student political contests in Arunachal Pradesh in recent years. As campaigning intensifies, the upcoming AAPSU election is set to play a defining role in shaping the direction of student advocacy and youth policy discourse in the state.