University of Mumbai conducted its Senate elections on September 24 and counting will be done on September 27. The polling was held to select eligible candidates for filling 10 seats. PTI reports that Shiv Sena (UBT) is seeking to strengthen its hold and the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) challenging the status-quo.
A total of 38 polling centres and 64 booths were established across the University and nearly 55% of students voted on Tuesday. The Shiv Sena (UBT) led by Uddhav Thackeray won all the 10 seats in the last two polls and RSS-affiliated ABVP also fielded 10 candidates. ABVP public relations in-charge Nilesh Tharwani alleged that the youth wing of Shiv Sena (UBT) "resorted to deceit and deploying fraudulent polling agents". PTI reports him saying, "This blatant misconduct not only exposes their unethical tactics but also underscores their growing fear of ABVP's strength and integrity."
Also Read:Bombay HC Stays Order to Postpone Mumbai University Senate Elections
Mumbai University earlier released a notice to postpone the election scheduled for September 22. It was second such notice in past 13 months. However, Bombay High Court cancelled the notice and directed the University to conduct the elections on September 24, 2024. The senate elections were pending for two years.
A day after the University announced to postpone student elections, Uddhav Thackeray-led Shiv Sena (UBT) slammed Maharashtra Govt for refusing to conduct the senate polls. A petition was filed at Bombay HC by election candidates Milind Satam, Shashikant Zore, and Pradeep Sawant, challenging the postponement. Only after hearing the plea, Bombay High Court directed to conduct the elections on September 24.
(With inputs from PTI)