In Aravalli district, local elections took place for 133 gram panchayats on Sunday. The elections were held amidst the rain, and voters showed great enthusiasm. Out of 90,417 voters, 34,500 cast their ballots using paper ballots to elect their sarpanch and ward members. Results were announced on Wednesday, and a festive atmosphere filled the counting centres as villagers celebrated the outcomes.
The elections marked the return of the ‘Sarpanch Raj’ in the district after a long period of administration by officials. Many villagers expressed joy at the results, as the elected sarpanchs would oversee significant grants for their panchayats. For the first time in a long while, elections were conducted using paper ballots, which had been a topic of discussion among residents.
However, the counting process faced delays due to some ballots being invalidated. Many voters mistakenly dropped their ballots without properly casting their votes, leading to a more prolonged counting period that extended late into the night. The winners celebrated their victories with music and festive colours, and in some cases, results were announced with just one or two votes deciding the outcome.
According to Bhikha Thakor, the district president of the BJP, around 80% of the elected sarpanchs belong to the BJP ideology. In contrast, Arun Patel, the district president of the Congress party, stated that approximately 60% of the winners were aligned with Congress. This election reflects a significant political shift in the region, showcasing the influence of the BJP in local governance.
The Aravalli district, created in 2013 by dividing Sabarkantha district, includes several talukas: Modasa, Bayad, Dhansura, and others. The district is known for its rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and significant historical sites. The residents of Aravalli hope that their new leaders will bring positive changes and development to their communities.
Villagers are eager to see how their new sarpanchs will address local issues and improve infrastructure. With the promise of grants and support from government schemes, the new leadership holds a lot of hope for the future of the district. The elections have not only brought new leaders but also a renewed sense of community engagement among the villagers, who are keen to participate in the development of their localities.
As the new sarpanchs take office, they face a variety of challenges, including improving education, healthcare, and infrastructure. The community looks forward to working with their representatives to ensure progress and prosperity in the region. The recent elections have indeed laid the groundwork for a more proactive and involved local governance system in Aravalli district.
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