Horse-trading intensifies for GP prez berth

Following the announcement of the reservation list for Grama Panchayat president and vice-president, horse-trading has gained momentum in the district. According to sources, some hopefuls for the berths have sent other elected GP members on small vacations.

Except for Kurattihosur GP, in Kollegal taluk, elections have been held for 129 GPs in the district.

Following amendments to the Panchayat Raj Act, 50 per cent of the seats have been reserved for women, allowing women to have a considerable say in the affairs of the GPs.
As the term of the president and vice-president has been fixed at five years, eligible candidates are leaving no stone unturned in order to secure the berths.

Similar to the reservation for GP seats, 50 per cent of the president and vice-president posts in the GPs are reserved for women. So, of the 129 GPs, 65 president and vice-president berths are reserved for women.

Beneficiaries
Even though the State Election Commission is yet to announce a date for the election to the berths, hopeful candidates are already luring fellow members to ensure their victory. Some elected members have already been sent on sponsored vacations by the hopefuls, said sources.

Rumours of money being offered to elected members to secure votes are also doing the rounds.

According to Virupakshappa, a farmer, the current scenario is prompted by the increase in the flow of funds under NREGA, Swacch Bharat Abhiyaan and other Central and State schemes.