The post of president in Banjar Nagar Panchayat is reserved for a woman belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category. Interestingly, none of the seven wards in the municipality were specifically reserved for an SC woman candidate. A complaint regarding this discrepancy was reportedly filed with the local administration and the SDM office, but no changes were made to the reservation roster.
Seizing the opportunity, the BJP fielded Dhanwanti Devi, who belongs to the SC category, from Ward 6. Congress failed to field a candidate from this ward, paving the way for her unopposed election as ward member — and, consequently, clearing the BJP’s path to the president’s post.
“BJP fielded Dhanwanti Devi from Ward 6 in Banjar Nagar Panchayat. Congress could not put up a candidate there. With Dhanwanti Devi elected unopposed, the BJP will now take control of the president’s post,” said Surender Shourie, BJP MLA from Banjar.
Congress, however, has cried foul, alleging a last-minute switch by the candidate. “Congress had given its support to a candidate from Ward 6 for Banjar Nagar Panchayat, but she has now switched sides. Dhanwanti Devi had assured us she was with Congress,” said Ram Singh Mian, Kullu APMC Chairman.
With her ward victory uncontested, Dhanwanti Devi is set to become president of Banjar Nagar Panchayat.
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