PU poll: Nominations filed, final list today

The filing of nominations for the Panjab University Campus Students’ Council (PUCSC) elections today turned out to be a tedious exercise as the authorities chose against releasing the provisional list of candidates in public domain.

“We are conducting the elections in accordance with the university rules and regulations. The DSW office is working as per the timelines already communicated to students and other stakeholders on August 22. As scheduled, the list will be shared on August 28,” said Prof Amit Chauhan, Dean Student Welfare (DSW), PU.

The provisional list was to be submitted at the DSW office 2.30 pm today and was excepted to be in the public domain soon after. However, the list was held back due to unknown reasons. Highly placed sources claimed that the list was not released officially, considering that rejection of nominations of many applicants.

The process of filing of nominations was held between 9.30 am and 10.30 am, followed by scrutiny. At 12 noon, the list of candidates was released on the department’s notice board. However, the DSW office reportedly received many objections between the 12.30 pm to 1.30 pm window, prompting brainstorming among the officials.

As the action shifted to the DSW office, located at the Student Centre, political groups started making a beeline to get the exact information regarding the provisional list.

Sath representatives sat in protest outside the DSW office. “The authorities have rejected the candidature of our presidential nominee on technical grounds,” said a supporter of the Sath party. However, no official confirmed the development. Sources claimed that the committee received objections to nominations of other candidates as well and the grievance committee kept working over it till late evening. “Sath’s was not the only case. Objections were raised to many other individuals, including a representative of a group representing a national party,” claimed another source.

Withdrawals today

The authorities are now scheduled to display the approved list of candidates at 10 am on August 28. The withdrawals will be allowed between 10.30 am and 12 noon, before the release of the final list at 2.30 pm.

‘Fake’ stickers

After trying to sneak in through pedestrian routes, outsiders have now been reported to using fake entry and parking stickers to get an access to the campus. The authorities have issued a slew of directions for the elections. “The entry of outsiders to the campus is strictly prohibited and anyone found indulging in forgery and trespassing shall be dealt with strictly as per law. Any vehicle caught with a fake sticker shall be handed over to the police,” stated the university spokesperson.

Poll day advisory

On the voting day (September 3), the AC Joshi Library will remain closed from 7 am to 12 noon and Gate No 1 (PGI side) will remain closed from 12 noon to 4.30 pm.