Karnataka to bar political affiliations in student polls; first phase in PU, degree colleges

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Minister for Medical Education Sharan Prakash Patil | Photo Credit: File photo

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.

During the 2026 State Budget, former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had announced that elections would be conducted to form student unions in universities and colleges, lifting the 37-year ban on them since 1989.

In April 2026, Dr. Patil, along with former Higher Education Minister M.C. Sudhakar, had a closed-door meeting with student political parties, including AIDSO, AISA, SFI, ABVP, and NSUI, along with representatives from colleges, universities, and parents.

Dr. Patil said considering some of the suggestions, they have included certain provisions to conduct elections in colleges. “Students cannot promote or impose any ideology during elections or even after becoming leaders. Campuses or elections will not be open for outsiders or members of student political wings. They cannot come there to make announcements or speeches,” he said.

Dr. Patil said that female students can contest elections for all posts, but a few posts are reserved for females alone. He said: “All provisions will be made clear once the Government Order is passed, probably in 15 days. We want our students to understand the principles of democracy and nuances of elections conducted in colleges and universities. There are many leaders in the party today, including me, who started their political journey in college.”

The announcement received mixed reactions from student political organisations.

Aratrika Dey, general secretary, All India Students’ Association, Bengaluru, said: “There are many Left student organisations, Bahujan student organisations, Dalit parties, regional parties, and more. Students who contest elections would definitely like to present ideology related to them. I don’t think there should be any kind of bar as to who can fight under what manner in student elections in college campuses. That’s the whole point of an election and universal suffrage and it should be upheld even in colleges and universities.”

Nawaz, member, AIDSO, said: “It is a good decision by the government. When we met the Ministers the last time, we had placed the same demands.