Mumbai, Jul 4 (PTI) Former BJP Rajya Sabha member Vinay Sahasrabuddhe was on Saturday elected president of the British-era Asiatic Society, defeating another former Rajya Sabha member Kumar Ketkar.
Sahasrabuddhe, who was locked in a direct contest for presidency of the 221-year-old institution, polled 349 votes, while Ketkar, a senior journalist, secured 157 votes.
Both of them led panels of 19 candidates each. A third independent panel, led by R. Venkatesh, had fielded seven candidates.
The election was originally scheduled for November 7 last year, but was postponed after complaints and petitions were filed before the Charity Commissioner and the Bombay High Court.
Altogether 2,530 members were eligible to vote but many preferred to stay away.
This year’s contest generated unusual interest following a surge in membership applications and the entry of politically backed panels. PTI VT
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