Veer Narmad South Gujarat University senate election turns high profile

SURAT: Veer Narmad South Gujarat University's (VNSGU) senate election has turned high profile with the president of Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGParesh Patel deciding to contest against senior Congress leader Hoshang Mirza in the science faculty registered graduate constituency. With the two heavyweights in fray, the polls are expected to be a close fight.While Mirza has been undefeated for the last five terms, Patel being the SGCCI president has emerged as a strong challenger. The senate election is scheduled to be held on August 12.
Patel has been announced as a candidate of Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and is a key contestant on the party's panel. He had graduated from the science faculty in 1984-85. "I agreed to contest as I believe that I will be able to help the university to function better. The VNSGU is doing well in education sector and I wish to be a part of the senate to add a professional touch to the institution," Patel said.
Mirza, who is identified as one-man army in the university circles, is amongst the senior most Congressmen in the state. Due to his close association with the university administration and colleges, he has won the elections with huge margins in the past. "Not only me, but candidates supported by me will win in all the faculty seats. We have done the ground work required for the elections and our victory is sure," he said.
On having chosen Patel, ABVP office bearers said they wanted representation in VSNGU senate from different sections of the society. Patel represents textile business community in south Gujarat.
There is a section of ABVP workers that is not happy with the party choosing to field Patel. Sources say that these elements had been preparing to contest for the last one year. However, the office bearers deny this. "Patel's name was finalized unanimously in a meeting of the ABVP office bearers. His name was not opposed by anyone. There were some members who had been preparing for the elections, but no one's name was finalized. They are well aware about the election process," senate election co-ordinator of ABVP Mayur Patel said.