Gone, For Rs 44 Lakh - Sarpanch Post In Madhya Pradesh Village
NDTV
The villagers say the "new system" will ensure that there is "no tension among aspirants for the post".
Residents of a village in Madhya Pradesh seem to have found a new system to elect their sarpanch or village head - that by giving the post to the highest bidder. The man was unanimously "elected" after he agreed to pay Rs 44 lakhs for the election, defeating four other contenders. Local officials, however, said that due election process, including filing nominations, will have to be followed for the election to the post.
The villagers of Bhatauli Gram Panchayat in Ashoknagar district say the "new system" will ensure that there is "no tension among aspirants for the post". The system, they said, is progressive as it will ensure that candidates will not distribute liquor and money to win votes.
Saubhag Singh Yadav was unanimously "elected" at an open auction held at a temple. The bids started with a base price of Rs 21 lakh and reached Rs 43 lakh, after which Mr Yadav made the final bid of Rs 44 lakh.
The villagers welcomed him with garland and announced him as their new sarpanch. It was also decided that no one would file nomination against him in the upcoming panchayat election in the state.
