BELAGAVI
In advance of Lok Sabha elections, more than 500 gram panchayats in the district are holding elections for President and Vice-President. Among the members, there is fierce competition for mini-government positions. While the dates have not yet been set, both the Congress and the BJP are concerned about the upcoming elections. With an eye on the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, political strategies are being drawn to secure the vote bank.
Few GPs have changed presidents and vice presidents for 15 months, according to village circumstances. Now, their members are pushing for one or two presidents/vice presidents in the remaining 30 months.
Belagavi taluk has the highest number of 57 GPs and Kagwad taluk has the least number, with 8 GPs, in the district
In the meantime, Deputy Commissioner Nitesh Patil has issued a notification to conduct elections and by-elections for GP member posts that are vacant due to various reasons. DC Patil said that by-elections will be held for 14 seats of 12 GPs vacated due to death and resignation and general elections for 10 seats that have been vacated after term completion.
July 12 is the last day to file nomination papers for GP elections and on July 13 nomination papers will be scrutinised. July 15 is the last day to withdraw nomination papers. Voting will be held on July 23 and if necessary, re-polling will be held on July 25. Votes will be counted on July 26. C Nitesh Patil said that election officers have already been appointed after fixing the reservation for presidential and vice presidential posts of GPs. They will conduct the elections for these posts.
