The much-awaited results of the Gujarat Gram Panchayat elections for 4,564 villages will be announced today, sparking excitement and tension among the thousands of candidates vying for the posts of Sarpanch and Panchayat members. The counting of votes has begun, and all eyes are now on the final results.
Over 58 Lakh Voters Participate in Panchayat Elections
According to the State Election Commission, a total of 58.56 lakh voters participated in these elections, out of an estimated 81 lakh eligible voters. This includes 30.48 lakh male and 28.06 lakh female voters, marking a voter turnout of 78.20%.
The highest turnout was recorded in Dang district (89.54%), while Porbandar saw the lowest at 66.77%. Re-polling has been scheduled in two locations, including Narsinghpura in Padra taluka of Vadodara, due to reported irregularities.
Election Highlights: 3,656 Sarpanchs and 16,224 Members to Be Elected
- Over 8,000 candidates are in the fray for 3,656 Sarpanch posts.
- Around 70,000 candidates contested for 16,224 member seats.
- A total of 751 Panchayats were declared unopposed (Samaras).
- Nearly 2,000 seats did not receive any nominations.
The elections were not held in areas such as Kadi, Jotana, Visavadar, and Junagadh, due to ongoing by-elections.
Sarpanchs Now Enjoy More Power
Even though Panchayat elections are not fought on party symbols, political support plays a significant role. This time, the reduced number of Samaras Panchayats indicates increased competition. With more administrative powers now being delegated to the Sarpanchs, the elections have become even more competitive, influenced by local and caste equations.
Vote Counting Underway in Ahmedabad District
In the Ahmedabad district, nine vote counting centres have been set up for talukas such as Bavla, Daskroi, Viramgam, Mandal, Sanand, Detroj, and Dhandhuka. A total of 42 counting tables have been arranged across 28 halls.
For maintaining law and order, 297 police personnel have been deployed across the district.
Several Panchayats in Ahmedabad have already been declared Samaras, including:
- Viramgam: Jadavpura, Shivpura, Chandranagar
- Dholera: Ambli, Kadipur, Gogla, Pipli
- Detroj-Rampura: Kantrodi, Jethipura
