The election took place at seven centres in Ahmedabad and 59 centres in rural areas. Barring a few incidents, the process passed off without any major hiccups.
Elections to the 27 seats of the Gujarat University senate were held today, and were by and large peaceful. The election took place at seven centres in Ahmedabad and 59 centres in rural areas. Barring a few incidents, the process passed off without any major hiccups.
Only 45% voters exercised their rights at the election, held from 10 am to 5 pm. Sources said that out of 3,635 voters in the 'teachers' category, only 50% voters cast their ballot. In the 'non-teachers' category too, only half of the 1,945 voters exercised their rights.
The voter turnout was considerably low, if the events of the past few weeks are anything to go by.
Experts say backdoor politics played by some leaders during the last few days to gain the desired number of seats was responsible for the low voter turnout.
Another group feels that many voters backed off to avoid the wrath of power wielders. These voters chose to remain 'silent and neutral' to avoid confrontation.
It was the battle in the 'teachers' category that was crucial for the BJP and Congress-backed panels. The Teachers Association also backed the elections.
Major election centres in the city included JG College at Sola, Bhavans, Nav Gujarat College, KK Shah Jarodvala at Maninagar and Gujarat College. Many leaders were present at the centres to boost the voters' and candidates' morale.
Congress leader and nominated senate member Narhari Amin was also present at the polling centre at JG College. To prevent any unlawful activity from taking place, police forces were on their toes since morning.
Media persons were not too happy with the security arrangements.
It is believed that a cameraman and a reporter of a TV channel were roughed up by police and security personnel at JG College in Sola. They were allegedly trying to enter the polling centre and were later engaged in an argument with the police personnel.
In another incident, four bogus voters were detained at the KK Shah Jarodvala College in Maninagar, though university officials didn't confirm the report.
The counting of votes will take place on November 30 and the results will be declared by evening on that day.
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