Express Interview | Student activist Neha Bora on ‘anti-national’ tag, Umar Khalid and whether she will fight polls

Neha Bora, national president of the All India Students Association (AISA), has spoken about the politics behind the Jantar Mantar protests and her potential involvement in elections. As a PhD scholar from JNU, Bora has been a prominent figure in the protests that began in Delhi and spread across India. In the past, she has been involved in hunger strikes and faced harassment while protesting in Jharkhand.

Despite reports of opposition to her presence in Jharkhand, Bora received a warm welcome and was greeted with smiles and handshakes.

Bora clarifies the "leaderless" nature of the protests, emphasizing that the cause resonates deeply with the protesters, regardless of the absence of a specific leader or political party. She argues that politics is not limited to loyalty to a single ideology or individual, but rather involves standing with the people on common agendas.

The conversation also touches upon the evolution of mass movements and the role of various protests in shaping the political landscape. Bora highlights the importance of student-led movements and the significance of unity in diverse political struggles. When asked about her political ambitions, Bora expresses her willingness to contest elections, but only if it serves the broader goals of her associated party, CPI(ML) Liberation.

Critics have pointed out the discrepancy between student politics and electoral politics, with the Left Party reportedly losing ground and resorting to student politics. Bora counters this criticism by emphasizing the diverse roles played by student activists, both within and outside their political affiliations.