The students of Assam University cast their votes to elect the members of the Assam University Students’ Union (AUSU) on Tuesday. The voting ended at 2 pm.
The results of the AUSU elections would be declared by the evening on Tuesday, informed Assam University officials, who are engaged in the conduct of the battle of future breed of leaders.
Out of a total of 4200 students from 38 departments of the University, roughly, 2900 students exercised their franchise from 10:30 in the morning till 2 pm.
The elections were held in 10 departmental centres set up across the whole campus, informed the outgoing president of AUSU, Milan Das.
Speaking to Northeast Now, Das said, “Most of the candidates in the fray are contesting individually, though, some have been backed by some political parties. A total of 22 candidates precisely are contesting for various posts of AUSU.”
“It is a good sign that the number of votes has increased this year compared to the last year which shows students’ faith in the democratic process of election,” added Das.
In all, 22 candidates are in fray. There are three candidates each for the posts of President, Vice President, General Secretary, Assistant General Secretary (Female), Sports Secretary and Magazine Secretary while two candidates each for the posts of Assistant General Secretary (Open) and Cultural Secretary.
Das added, “There are various serious issues of this University and I hope that the new body can take up these matters with even more vigour. There are some basic needs of students and I hope they would fight for it. The new body should also look into the pending issues of this University for which we have fought.”
When asked on the issue of barring Vice Chancellor of the University, Dr Dilip Chandra Roy, from entering his chamber, Milan Das, informed, “His chamber is still locked. It has been 13 to 14 days, but the deadlock has not ended. We too won’t budge.”
Meanwhile, Northeast Now also had a chat with Sanjeev Roy, Secretary, Assam Pradesh Congress Committee (APCC), who was roaming around the campus, who informed, “Elections of the students’ body is the first step to be the future leaders of the country. We too have a few candidates who are being backed by NSUI. Let us see what happens in the evening.”