Tue Jul 15 15:25:36 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text, followed by a rewritten news article:

**Summary:**

The Karnataka state government is considering reintroducing student union elections in colleges and universities, which have been banned since 1989-90 due to violence. The decision is being influenced by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s instructions to develop student leadership. The National Students’ Union Congress (NSUI) submitted proposal to the Chief Minister. While proponents see it as a way to foster leadership skills, university authorities express concern that elections could disrupt academic activities, lead to violence, and turn campuses into political battlegrounds. Other states like Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Delhi still allow such elections.

**News Article:**

**Karnataka Mulls Reinstating Student Union Elections After Decades-Long Ban**

**Bengaluru, July 15, 2025** – The Karnataka state government is seriously considering reintroducing student union elections in colleges and universities across the state, a move that would reverse a ban in place since 1989-90. The potential policy shift follows instructions from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to prioritize leadership development among students.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah confirmed plans to revisit the issue, stating the government is giving serious consideration to a proposal submitted by the National Students’ Union Congress (NSUI). Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar echoed this sentiment, noting Gandhi’s emphasis on cultivating student leaders.

Karnataka banned student elections following incidents of violence on university campuses. However, student unions and leaders have argued that these elections are crucial for giving students a voice and fostering leadership skills, like those still being allowed in the states of Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Delhi.

The Bangalore University Postgraduate Students’ Union recently added to the push, submitting a formal request to the Higher Education Minister to reinstate campus elections.

However, the proposal has raised concerns among university administrators. One Vice Chancellor of a state-run university worried that reintroducing elections could disrupt the current academic environment, transforming campuses into political platforms and potentially leading to renewed violence and factionalism. “Campuses are witnessing academic activities now and the universities are at peace. If the elections are reintroduced, then they will turn into political parties’ votebank platforms and may witness violence and groupism within the universities,” they warned.

A final decision on whether to reinstate student union elections is expected in the coming weeks.

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