Karnataka to bar political affiliations in student polls; first phase in PU, degree colleges
Karnataka plans to ban political party affiliations in upcoming student union elections to ensure a focus on academic issues. Candidates will be disqualified if found promoting political ideologies, with new guidelines expected within 15 days.
Why it matters
This policy aims to depoliticize campus environments and restore student elections after a long-standing ban, influencing how student leadership is formed.
Students contesting college elections in Karnataka should not be affiliated to student wings of political parties like NSUI, ABVP, and so on, said Minister for Medical Education Sharan Prakash Patil on Tuesday.
The first phase of student elections – which has been held for decades in Karnataka – will be conducted in PU colleges and degree colleges. The second phase will be held across universities in the state. A Government Order will be issued soon regarding the student elections, Dr. Patil said at a press conference here.
“If candidates are found to be part of any student political wing, they will be disqualified and not allowed to contest elections,” the Minister said. He also made it clear that students contesting elections will speak only on student and education issues and nothing on ideology or politics of any party.
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