The Vadodara District Milk Cooperative Union Ltd (VDCMUL), or the Baroda dairy, elections recorded 99.63 per cent polling on Monday with 1,088 voters of the total 1,092 registered voters voting amid tight security.

According to the dairy officials, this is probably the highest voting percentage for this dairy elections held to elect 15 board members.

The elections passed off peacefully except an incident where one of the bodyguards of Madhu Srivastava entered the booth and marked the vote in favour of Srivastava by snatching a ballot from the voter.

This angered the Opposition members who reported the matter to the election officer. The ballot was put under the cover and sealed. The counting of votes will take place tomorrow and the results are expected by the evening.

Ajit Thakore, who is heading the Congress’ panel in the election, said, “We have placed our people near the strong room so that there is no mischief. People have voted in our favour and we expect to win 13 seats.”

Returning Officer Kamal Shah said the polls were conducted peacefully, adding: “A voter from Sankheda was voting at booth number 4, when a supporter of a candidate took a ballot from the hand of the voter and put a stamp on one of the candidates’ symbol.”

Despite some Congress members forming separate factions, sources say there is a possibility of Thakore doing well this time. The second faction from the Congress has been formed under G B Solanki.

... contd.