In the rural areas of Gujarat, the political atmosphere is heating up once again as the monsoon season approaches. The results of the recent elections for the sarpanch and ward members in Banaskantha district have been announced. A total of 303 gram panchayats held general elections and 19 by-elections. The victorious sarpanches are now being celebrated with honour and religious processions. Meanwhile, a race has started for the position of deputy sarpanch in every gram panchayat. Before the official notice for the deputy sarpanch elections is published, various games and activities known as ‘Raj Games’ are being organised in villages.
After the sarpanch elections, the deputy sarpanch candidates are busy forming their panels. Some are trying to show their strength by gathering more members from their communities. This is an active time for panchayat members as they prepare for the upcoming elections. Usually, after the elections, these members do not remain very active for the next five years. The panchayat’s administration is primarily handled by the sarpanch and the talati together. If there is a proactive member, things may be different, but often the situation becomes one where the governance is not as effective as it could be.
The role of a deputy sarpanch is considered important, but they do not have special powers compared to other members. They only take charge if the sarpanch is on long leave or if the sarpanch’s seat becomes vacant for some reason. The elections for deputy sarpanch are held through open voting, where members raise their hands to cast their votes. If the sarpanch is not present, the deputy can also vote. Before this, members must register their candidacy with the designated official.
The election for deputy sarpanch typically occurs within four weeks of the announcement of the elected members’ names under Clause 15. The date for this election is announced by the respective taluka development officer. However, the district administration may want to speed up the election process due to the monsoon and other workload pressures. Therefore, the election is expected to be announced soon.
This rising interest and excitement in the villages reflect the significance of local governance and the impact of these elections on community life. With the monsoon season bringing new hopes and challenges, the political landscape in rural Gujarat is set for a dynamic change as candidates prepare to vie for the deputy sarpanch positions. As the elections draw closer, the atmosphere is charged with enthusiasm and competition, highlighting the importance of local leadership in the development of rural areas. The outcome of these elections will not only shape the future of gram panchayats but also influence the everyday lives of villagers in Gujarat.
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