Nashik co-op bank elections marred by clashes

Nashik, Aug 27 (UNI) Police had to resort to a lathicharge in Igatpuri taluka of the district to disperse two groups which clashed during the Nashik District Central Co-operative Bank (NDCC) elections here today.

The polling for the NDCC Bank began at 0800 hrs today. At around 0930 hrs the Galwe group brought some voters in a bus at the Igatpuri tehsil office, the voting centre.

Gopalrao Galwe is the candidate of the opposition Gulwe-Dhikle's 'Aapla' panel whereas Rajaram Dhongade is the ruling 'Sahakar' panel's candidate.

The act of bringing the voters by the Galwe group angered the supporters of Dhongade. They pelted stones on the bus which led to a clash between the two groups. Five people were injured in the clash and to control the situation, police had to resort to a lathicharge.

According to latest reports, the situation is under control now.

Police has detained one person for investigation. The five injured were sent back home after treatment.

''Nearly 6,068 voters will decide the fate of 71 candidates for 20 seats in the NDCC election. There are 27 voting centres in the district. For the first time, the whole election process will be videographed,'' Returning Officer Unmesh Mahajan said. Nine directors have been elected unopposed.

The main contest is between the 'Sahkar' panel of Chairman and MLA Manikrao Kokate, MP Devidas Pingle, 'Aapla' panel of former MP Uttamrao Dhikle and 'Janshakti' panel formed with the support of former MLA Malojikaka Mogal and Tukaram Dighole.

Counting of votes will take place tomorrow in two phases.

UNI