PIONEER NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The Bharatiya Janata Party has described the large number of Panchayat representative being elected unopposed in Uttarakhand as a sign of a healthy democracy. The party’s State president Mahendra Bhatt said that voters have shown maturity by choosing candidates unanimously and in many cases, giving preference to individuals from reserved categories even on general seats.
Bhatt stated that the Uttarakhand residents have responded strongly to those promoting caste-based politics across the country. He cited the example of former tehsildar Gambhir Singh from the reserved category being elected unopposed from a general seat in Sajwan Kanda village of Tehri district.
According to him, such decisions highlight voters’ trust in the capabilities of individuals beyond caste considerations. He also mentioned the growing trend of retired IPS officers, senior military personnel, technocrats and professionals from the social sector coming forward to serve at the grassroots level. He said that their active participation in the three-tier Panchayat election process reflects the maturity of the democratic system in the State.
Bhatt thanked voters in rural areas who participated in the democratic process by selecting their representatives without contest. He said that while elections based on majority are a part of democracy, electing a capable candidate with consensus enhances its true essence.
