Sugar mill polls: Arguments for rejected candidates done, next hearing tomorrow
KOLHAPUR: The hearing for 29 candidates, whose nominations were rejected in the run-up to the election of the Rajaram Cooperative Sugar Mill of Kasba Bawda, concluded on Tuesday.
The election returning officer’s rejection had debarred the candidates from contesting the polls. Most of them were backed by Congress Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Satej Patil.
The candidates had approached the appellate authority, NV Gade, who is also regional joint director of cooperatives. Gade scheduled the hearing on Tuesday and made Rajaram Sugar Mill a party to the case.
Mohan Salpe, leader of the Patil-led panel, said, “The lawyer for the mill has sought adequate time to present their case. The arguments will continue on Thursday.
We expect a verdict on the sarks day.”
Sarjerao Mane, former chairman of the factory, whose nomination was also rejected, said, “Most rejected nominations are of senior members. Attempts are on to delay the hearings.” Some said this will leave the Patil-led panel with only inexperienced candidates if the hearings are not concluded on time.