Students queue up to cast votes at JD Women’s College during Magadh University Students’ Union election on Thursday. Picture by Ashok Sinha

A skimpy 25 per cent voters turned out on Thursday for the Magadh University Students’ Union (Musu) election held after 32 years.

According to information provided by the election office at Magadh University (MU) Bodhgaya headquarters, around 33,500 students voted at 202 booths in 43 constituent colleges spread across seven districts.

The counting started on Thursday evening. All results are likely to be declared by Friday.

Usha Singh, the principal of JD Women’s College, said: “The graduation final-year students, who have filed the examination forms, didn’t turn up for the election. This could be a reason for such a low turnout of voters.”

The polling was, however, not free from violence.

Police resorted to mild lathicharge when some irate students engaged in a clash outside the JD Women’s College campus, accusing the institution administration of favouring candidates backed by the JD(U) during the Musu election.

Members of All India Students’ Association (Aisa) protested against the alleged lathicharge.

Nitu, a member of Aisa, who was allegedly beaten up by the police, said: “The college authorities, in connivance with JD(U) leaders, asked students to cast their votes in favour of the candidates backed by the party.”

Magadh University chief returning officer Lalan Singh said: “Except for a few minor incidents, the students’ union poll was peaceful. Tight security arrangements were made in all colleges. To ensure transparency, the booths were under video surveillance. Students without identity cards were not allowed to enter the college campuses for voting.”