Voter turnout falls short of University of Rajasthan's expectations

JAIPUR: The attack on NSUI leaders prior to the student union polls, has affected the voting percentage at University of Rajasthan and its constituent colleges. Polling percentage recorded was 50.78, which was less by 0.8% as compared to last year. The difference was not substantial, but fell short of the RU administration’s expectations. The polls kicked off on a high note, as this year is the year of Vidhan Sabha polls.
The voting started sharp at 8am, and in the next two hours, the voter turnout was very poor.The contesting candidates and their core loyalists were first to cast their vote. The barcode-enabled ID cards made the voting smooth, with just one case of fake vote reported. Voting gained momentum after 10:30 am, with students arriving from across the campus. The party and candidates’ loyalists resorted to their old tactics of requesting the voters with folded hands, while some bent down on their knees.
The usual spirit of celebration was only seen outside Maharani’s College. Here, girls including the family members of the contesting candidates, were seen requesting voters. “I didn’t expect the celebratory atmosphere outside the college. I am in a third year student, but will vote for the first time. I hope I will remember the name of the candidates I was told by my friend to vote for,” said Rajeshwari Shekhawat, a third year student of Maharani’s College. Long queues of voters were seen only in the last hour, from 12 noon to 1 pm.
There were a few heart-warming moments during the day. A disabled student, Mohammed Tahir, came on his wheelchair to vote. Students came rushing to assist him. He told reporters that voting is his right and he had come all the way to participate in this democratic process which will churn out future leaders.
“The RUSU polls 2018 were held peacefully. The ballot boxes have arrived in the university campus and will be stationed at the DSW office, under tight security. The counting will take place on September 11,” said Vijay Veer Singh, chief electoral officer, Rajasthan University. The administration has received a few complaints, which they will resolve in the coming days. Both NSUI, ABVP as well as independents, are assured of their victory in the polls. All of them termed the low turnout in their favour.