Congress Panel Postpones College Election Report Submission
A special committee formed by the ruling Congress party in Karnataka has pushed back its deadline. The group will now submit its recommendations on January 22. This committee is exploring the possible reintroduction of student union elections in colleges across the state.
Committee Leadership and Formation
Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil heads this important committee. Karnataka Congress president and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar established the panel in December 2025. Shivakumar made the announcement after revealing government plans to bring back student union elections.
The committee held its first meeting on Tuesday. Members engaged in extensive discussions with various stakeholders during this session.
Gathering Diverse Perspectives
MLC and committee member Saleem Ahmed provided details about their work. He explained that the committee is actively collecting opinions from different stakeholders. They want to properly assess both the advantages and disadvantages of college polls.
"After the second meeting of the committee on January 22, the committee will submit its report to the state Congress chief," Ahmed stated clearly.
The Congress leader emphasized their interest in recommending elections for colleges. "We are doing this because it will help develop a second-rung leadership. Many leaders have emerged from student politics," Ahmed added with conviction.
Historical Context and Current Objectives
This move represents a potential shift from longstanding policy. Party-affiliated student polls faced prohibition in Karnataka back in 1989. Then chief minister Veerendra Patil implemented the ban after campuses experienced violent clashes during election periods.
Shivakumar noted that several party leaders and workers have advocated for reviving college elections and elected student bodies. The committee has clear objectives for its work:
- Reviewing the election process thoroughly
- Ensuring complete transparency in elections
- Designing an effective electoral system
While various colleges currently hold elections, the ban specifically targets party-affiliated student polls. The committee's recommendations could potentially change this decades-old restriction.
The panel continues its work with careful consideration of all perspectives before presenting its final report later this month.
