Updated, 4 November: Abdul Waheed’s campaign has released an expanded manifesto with 22 commitments under seven pillars. This article has been updated to reflect it. The earlier 14-page version is linked below.
Abdul Waheed, a research scholar in the Department of Urdu and a candidate for President in the AMU Students’ Union (AMUSU) election 2026-27, has set out his plans in a manifesto titled “for justice, dignity and accountable leadership”. It covers student rights, academics, hostels and fees, careers, transparency, AMU’s minority character and land, and wider social justice issues. He is one of nine candidates for President, and polling is on 5 November.
In his note to students, Waheed says the Students’ Union “must protect student rights, take up grievances, challenge injustice and push for real reform”. He adds that many reforms need approval from statutory bodies and government agencies, but says “these limits must never become an excuse for inaction”.
Also readSir Syed Ahmad Khan: Biography, Books and Legacy
Abdul Waheed’s 7 pillars at a glance
| Pillar | Area | Commitments |
|---|---|---|
| I | Student rights, justice and democratic freedoms | 1 to 3 |
| II | Academic excellence and research reforms | 4 to 7 |
| III | Student welfare, hostels and campus infrastructure | 8 to 12 |
| IV | Career development, employment and sports | 13 to 14 |
| V | Transparency, governance and accountability | 15 to 17 |
| VI | AMU’s minority character, land and legacy | 18 to 19 |
| VII | Social justice and a national student movement | 20 to 22 |
I. Student rights, justice and democratic freedoms
- Protection against arbitrary suspension: a show-cause notice and a fair hearing before any punitive action, and protection for peaceful protest, debate and dissent
- AMUSU Legal Aid Cell: a panel of lawyers, including senior advocates, for free or subsidised help in district courts, High Courts and the Supreme Court, plus legal awareness programmes
- Reform of election rules: a review of Lyngdoh Committee provisions, including the limit on how many times a student can contest and disqualification linked to disciplinary action
II. Academic excellence and research reforms
- Academic calendar: exams and results on schedule, and AMUSU, WCSU and other elections fixed in the calendar before the current Union’s term ends
- Recognition of courses: approval from regulatory bodies, correct course names and sanctioned seats, and help for students facing eligibility problems
- Research scholars: clear timelines for coursework, thesis, evaluation and viva, higher fellowships, hostel until the degree is complete, and action on harassment
- International collaboration: MoUs with foreign universities, student exchange, joint research and visiting faculty
III. Student welfare, hostels, fees and health
- 2,000 additional hostel beds: a roadmap before the next session, subject to funds and approvals, with priority for new students and renovation of existing halls
- No fee hike without students: student representation before the Academic Council on any fee change, lower fees for regular courses, a review of SFS fees, and a cap on nomination admissions
- Rs 5 lakh health cover per student: health insurance raised over time, free tests through university facilities and better emergency services
- Inclusion: women’s representation on the Delhi University model, with a separate union and a vote in AMUSU; reserved seats for specially-abled students in the Union executive; and a barrier-free campus
- Infrastructure: well-kept classrooms, labs, libraries, roads and street lights, and new buildings that match AMU’s historic architecture
IV. Career development, employment and sports
- AMUSU Recruitment and Career Cell: a cell for placements and internships, a voluntary database of AMU alumni in India and abroad, career fairs, mentorship and workshops
- Sports: a modern sports complex, dedicated facilities for women, and financial help, equipment and coaching for talented players
V. Transparency, governance and accountability
- A stronger AMU Court: meetings at least once a month within its statutory framework, and a student say in decisions, including the election of the Chancellor and members of the Academic and Executive Councils
- The Union fund: a public account of what the manifesto calls the Rs 2.5 crore Union fund, with regular audits and accurate RTI replies
- Merit in appointments: transparent, merit-based appointments to academic, administrative and hall posts
The Union fund figure is the candidate’s own. AMU has not published accounts of the fund.
VI. AMU’s minority character, land and legacy
- Minority character: a roadmap of legal, constitutional and democratic efforts with experts, lawyers, alumni and students, including AMUSU support in Supreme Court proceedings
- Land and heritage: mapping, demarcating and fencing AMU land, lawful action against encroachment, and care for historic buildings and libraries
VII. Social justice and a national student movement
- Solidarity beyond AMU: coordination with student unions at other universities and a voice for AMU’s off-campus centres
- Social justice: support for laws such as the proposed Rohith Vemula Act, and a stand against caste discrimination, communal hatred and demolitions without due process
- Education as a public good: opposition to commercialisation of education and to National Education Policy (NEP) provisions he says threaten equity and autonomy
About the candidate
- Course: Ph.D., Department of Urdu, AMU
- Post: President, AMUSU 2026-27
- Ballot: No. 3, as per his campaign
The race for AMUSU President
Nine candidates are contesting for President: Mohammad Zuhair Ahmad, Amina Irshad, Mohd Intkhab, Abdul Waheed, Mohd Noman Ashraf, Sharjeel Iqbal, Sahil Khan, Sharjeel Mohammad Khan and Asmar Faridi. See every candidate in the AMUSU 2026 final candidate list.
The Aligarian does not support any candidate. We publish candidates’ own statements and manifestos so voters can compare them. Any AMUSU 2026-27 candidate can send us their manifesto, and we will cover it in the same way.
AMUSU 2026: polling day
- Polling: Thursday, 5 November 2026, 9 am to 5 pm, at the faculties
- Counting: from 6 pm the same day
Read more: what every candidate promises, Noman Ashraf’s manifesto, Mohd Intkhab’s pitch, Mohammad Hamdan’s manifesto for Secretary and the AMUSU 2026-27 page.
Frequently asked questions
What are Abdul Waheed’s main promises for AMUSU 2026-27?
His manifesto has 22 commitments, including a hearing before any suspension, a legal aid cell, 2,000 more hostel beds, Rs 5 lakh health cover, student say on fee changes and a public account of the Union fund.
How many commitments are in Abdul Waheed’s manifesto?
The updated manifesto has 22 commitments under seven pillars. An earlier version had ten commitments.
What does Abdul Waheed promise on fees?
He promises student representation before the Academic Council on any fee change, lower fees for regular courses, a review of SFS fees and a cap on nomination admissions.
Which department is Abdul Waheed from?
He is a research scholar in the Department of Urdu at AMU.
Does The Aligarian support Abdul Waheed?
No. The Aligarian does not support any candidate. Any AMUSU 2026-27 candidate can send us their manifesto for the same coverage.
