RU students’ union polls gain momentum

With less than a week left for the students’ union elections in the state, campus politics in University of Rajasthan (RU) has intensified.

While the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP)--the RSS’ student wing--got a slight head start as it announced its panel on Monday evening, the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) –the Congress’ student wing—on the other hand, until late Tuesday, was yet to name its candidates. Sanjay Machedi and Rakesh Yadav, both students of MA Philosophy, were given tickets by the ABVP for the posts of the president and general secretary. Till the filing of this report, NSUI leaders were in a meeting to decide whom to give the tickets among Deepak Meena, Rahul Bhakar and Manvendra Budaniya.

Sources at the NSUI suggested that Deepak Meena was likely to get the ticket for the post of the president while Rahul Bhakar was likely to get the ticket for post of the general secretary.

NSUI’s ticket allotment was delayed due its top three potential candidates were debarred after a new clarification to the election rules issued by the state higher education department last week. The Jodhpur bench of Rajasthan High Court on Monday stayed the new rule, saying that it was contrary to the Lyngdoh committee recommendations. The decision came as a major relief to a number of candidates across the state, including the trio in the fray for the top post at RU.

With the allotment of ticket behind them, the parties might be faced with the task of dealing with rebel candidates.

Pawan Yadav, who was a strong contender for the ABVP ticket, is likely to contest as an independent. The ABVP state leaders were reportedly trying to convince him not contest the elections till late Tuesday, as it would hurt the prospects of the ABVP candidate.

If Pawan chooses to contest as an independent candidate, it might disrupt electoral equations. NSUI fielded Gawadiya’s sister, Trishla Choudhary who emerged third while ABVP’s Akhilesh Pareek bagged the second spot.

The date for filing the nominations is August 23 and the list of eligible candidates will be declared the next day. Nomination can be withdrawn the same day and the revised list will be declared by August 24 .