Officials say such a high number of unanimous elections within a single administrative block is uncommon. “It is rare to have unanimous candidates in so many panchayats from one block,” said the District Panchayat Officer, Kinnaur.
Residents attribute the trend to a collective desire to preserve social harmony, avoid factional politics and ensure balanced development in their villages. The state government’s announcement of a Rs 25 lakh incentive for unanimously elected panchayats has also emerged as a strong motivating factor.
Ribba Gram Panchayat, one of the largest in the block, unanimously elected former pradhan Radhika along with the vice-pradhan and ward members. According to PP Negi, Radhika’s husband, the decision reflected the village’s effort to end bitterness and divisions often triggered by electoral contests.
“Panchayat elections sometimes create resentment even among relatives and friends. By electing representatives unanimously, the village wanted to strengthen unity and ensure development without political rivalry,” he said, adding that unanimously elected representatives also carry a greater sense of responsibility towards the entire panchayat.
A similar sentiment prevails in Chango Gram Panchayat, where unanimous selection of representatives has become an established tradition. Former pradhan Tashi Dolma said she herself had been elected unopposed in the previous term, while another woman candidate has now been chosen unanimously.
“Our panchayat follows this practice regularly to maintain brotherhood and avoid unnecessary divisions,” Dolma said. She added that the panchayat had received Rs 10 lakh for unanimous elections in the previous term and expected to receive Rs 25 lakh this time. “This amount can significantly help in carrying out developmental works,” she said. According to district officials, 13 out of Kinnaur’s 80 panchayats have so far seen unanimous elections, with the number likely to rise after the withdrawal of nominations.
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