Nagpur: With multiple panels and prominent literary personalities entering the fray, the elections of Vidarbha Sahitya Sangh (VSS) turned into a high-stakes and closely watched contest.Four panels are contesting the polls, along with an independent candidate for the president’s post. The Girish Gandhi Panel includes Aruna Sabane and Shubhada Fadnavis among its prominent faces. The Rashtrasant Shri Tukadoji Maharaj Panel, led by Dr Ravindra Shobhane, features members such as Sanjay Bhakare, Vijaya Marotkar, and Dr Balwant Bhoyar.
The Aksharmaitri Panel, representing the current leadership, is headed by sitting president Pradip Date. Another group led by senior litterateur Dr Shripad Joshi positioned itself as advocating greater participation of active writers and litterateurs in the VSS’s functioning. Dr Ranjan Darvekar is contesting independently for the president’s post.Eleven candidates filed nominations for the post of president, while 111 are contesting for 22 seats on the executive committee. The governing body comprises president — the top leadership position currently held by Date — and 22 executive members who oversee administrative and literary functions of the institution.Among the 11 presidential aspirants, five key contenders widely discussed in literary circles are sitting president Date, Dr Ravindra Shobhane, Dr Shripad Joshi, Dr Ranjan Darvekar, and former MLC Girish Gandhi. The election will be conducted through postal ballot, and counting is scheduled for March 15. An election officer from outside the VSS was appointed to ensure the process is conducted smoothly.With postal ballots set to determine next leadership, the March 15 counting is set to shape the future course of one of Vidarbha’s most prominent literary bodies. TNN
