The decision by the Mumbai University to stay its senate polls has drawn major criticism from the Shiv Sena (UBT) and Sharad Pawar–led Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), who view the move as evidence of the Maharashtra government’s authoritarian approach and its reluctance to hold elections.
Sena MLA and former minister Aaditya Thackeray sought to know the reason behind the university’s decision to stay the elections, scheduled to be held on September 10.
On Thursday, Mumbai University announced its decision to stay the elections to the senate. The senate is the institution’s watchdog, with representatives of teachers, principals and management.