Patna: Huge amount of money was spent by the candidates contesting the panchayat elections held recently in Bihar. The elections were held in 10 phases from April 24 to May 30.
According to a study conducted by Delhi-based Institute of Social Sciences (ISS) on the basis of interaction with the local representatives, independent observers and media reports, average Rs20 lakh was spent in each panchayat this time against Rs10 lakh in previous panchayat polls. Local MLAs, irrespective of their party affiliations, took keen interest in the entire election process.
Project head Sachindra Narayan, an emeritus professor at ISS, said the positive side of the elections is that more educated people have been elected this time.
"A JNU scholar, Amrit Anand, has been elected mukhiya of Pasin panchayat in Kaimur district. Altogether 51 master's degree holder and 105 graduates were also elected," Narayan told TOI over phone from Delhi. The report strongly favours panchayat polls on party basis.
It was observed that more women than men voted in the elections.
Women also resorted to bogus voting by frequently changing their dresses, hairstyle and make-up to confuse the poll personnel. Most of the polling booths had inadequate police personnel. It was also found that home guards/policemen acted as polling agents at some places, the report said.
It was also found that in several panchayats, 'mukhiya patis' (husbands of mukhiya candidates) were mercilessly beaten up.
Though there is a complete ban on all types of liquor in Bihar, the study found flow of country-made liquor and cash besides distribution of saris and dhotis by the candidates to influence the voters.
Several candidates left their jobs and education to contest elections. The report also said several known families of Maoists were also in the fray for the post of mukhiya.