Patna University students’ union polls: 118 file nomination papers

PATNA: A large number of students, accompanied by their supporters, turned up to file their nomination papers for election to various offices of the Patna University Students’ Union (PUSU) on Monday. The polls, being held after a gap of about 10 months, are scheduled for December 5.
“As many as 118 candidates have filed their nominations for five key posts — president (nine), vice-president (eight), general secretary (nine), joint secretary (nine) and treasurer (seven).Besides, 76 nominations have been filed for 24 posts of executive members from different constituencies,” said PU students’ welfare dean N K Jha.
Only one candidate each from Patna Training College and Women’s Training College filed their nominations for executive council membership. Hence, they were elected unopposed. Several candidates could not file nominations as they did not have the mandatory 75% attendance.
Students looked quite excited while filing their nominations. All the major student organizations affiliated to different political parties, including All India Students’ Federation, All India Students’ Association, National Students’ Union of India, Chhatra Janata Dal (U), Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, Jan Adhikar Chhatra Parishad and All India Democratic Students’ Organisation have fielded their candidates for election to various posts. Before filing nominations at the Wheeler Senate House, the candidates along with supporters marched from one college to another, carrying flags and shouting slogans. The police had made elaborate security arrangements at the venue to avoid any untoward incident. Only candidates were being allowed to enter the hall for filing nominations.
PU authorities have already requested the district administration to provide adequate security arrangements on the campus in view of the union elections. “Security of students will be our prime concern. The state election office has been requested to keep a watch on the PUSU elections,” said proctor G K Palei.
Scrutiny of nomination papers will be done on Tuesday and the list of valid nominations published on Wednesday. The last date of withdrawal of nominations is November 29. The final list of candidates contesting for different offices will be published on November 29 at 6pm.