Stray violence in MP college union polls

Bhopal, Aug 23 (UNI) Amid tight security the first phase of elections to Madhya Pradesh college unions passed off peacefully today, barring stray incidents.

The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) claimed that it emerged victorious at 90 per cent places while the National Students' Union of India's (NSUI) claim was 75 per cent.

''Students indulged in minor clashes at Indore, the Military Headquarters Of War, Jabalpur, Panna, Itarsi and a few other places.

Firing at Seoni district headquarters had nothing to do with the polls,'' Inspector-General (Law and order) Rishi Shukla told UNI.

The Congress' Madhya Pradesh unit General Secretary Manak Agrawal alleged that college administration prevented NSUI candidates from filling nomination papers at several places.

''The NSUI boycotted the hustings at some places in protest against the administration's wanton stance adopted under pressure from the state government. ABVP workers resorted to malpractice at Itarsi, Vidisha, Gwalior, Panna, Seoni, Khandwa, Chhatarpur and several other places. Despite that, the NSUI won at 75 per cent places,'' he added.

On the other hand, ABVP state office Secretary Deependra Pal said that the Parishad's nominees captured 90 per cent of 265 colleges.

''Polling did not take place at the local Geetanjali College as filling of nomination papers was not allowed. Similarly, election could not take place at one place in Ujjain and two in Dewas,'' he added.

The representatives elected today would vote for students' union committees tomorrow.

UNI