The political atmosphere across college campuses in Kalahandi district has intensified as educational institutions gear up for the upcoming student union elections under Maa Manikeswari University.
Out of 37 colleges in the district, 16 had made preparations for elections, but the sudden cancellation of polls in 4 colleges has become a major topic of discussion.
Election Status Across Colleges
Student union elections are scheduled to take place in several prominent institutions, including Karlapada Plus 3 Degree College, Bhawanipatna Government Women’s Degree College, Bhawanipatna Jayaprakash Evening Degree College, Dharmagarh Panchayat College, Junagarh Priyadarshini Indira Degree College, Rishita Jagannath Degree College, Madanpur Rampur Degree College, and Thuamul Rampur Government Degree College.
Meanwhile, elections have been officially cancelled in four institutions:
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Bhawanipatna Sadarbook Board Chandrika Jain Degree College
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Biswanathpur Maa Hiranila Degree College
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Kesinga College
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Narla Panchayat Samiti Degree College
In addition, institutions like Dharmagarh Degree Women’s College, Jayapatna Indravati Degree College, Kalampur Maharani Kasturika Mudunidevi Plus 3 College, Belkhandi Panchayat Degree College, Kokasara Panchayat Samiti Degree College, and Bhawanipatna College of Teacher Education have opted for a nomination-based selection rather than direct elections.
High-Energy Campaigns & Strict Guidelines
With elections approaching, political factions and candidates have launched vigorous campaigns, turning campuses and hostels into lively hubs of activity.
To maintain discipline, university authorities have enforced strict regulations. According to a letter issued by the Registrar (Letter No. 3916, dated October 12, 2026), the “Hike/Stand For” meetings and reporting are set to take place under tight security.
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Prohibited Speech: Candidates are strictly barred from using communal language, personal attacks, obscene words, or invoking caste and community names during speeches. Violators will face immediate disciplinary action.
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Expense Limit: Candidates must keep their election expenses under 5,000 INR and submit a detailed expense report—including the source of funds—to university authorities within two weeks following the election. Failure to do so will result in the cancellation of their candidacy.
Local police have made comprehensive security arrangements across campuses to ensure peaceful voting and campaigning as the district heads toward the final election phase.
