'Flow of huge monies in Bihar panchayat polls'

PATNA: This time the flow of money was huge in the recently concluded panchayat polls in the state as compared to the last time. On an average it is about Rs 20 lakhs spent on each panchayat this time as against Rs 10 lakh in the last panchayat poll. Local MLAs irrespective of their party affiliations have taken keen interest in the whole process of poll.
This was one of the findings of a recent study on the assessment of recently held panchayat polls in Bihar.The study was sponsored by a Delhi based Institute of Social sciences (ISS). The quick study was done on the basis of interaction with the local representatives, independent observers and media reports.
The panchayat poll was held from April 24, 2016 to May 30 in various stages in which 50% reservation was given to women candidates.
Talking to project head Sachindra Narayan emeritus professor ISS said that more and more educated people have got elected this time. “Amrit anand a JNU research scholar has got elected from Pasin Panchayat of Kaimur district besides 51 master’s degree holder and 105 graduates elected in this panchayat poll”, Narayan told TOI over phone from New Delhi.
According to findings of the study, the state panchayati Raj department should take advantage of all these educated panchayat representatives in improving the daily affairs of the grassroot level affairs. The findings of the report strongly favoured for holding panchayat poll on party basis.
It was observed that women voted more in number than male voters. More bogus voting was done by women voters by frequent changing of their dress. Their frequent changes of sari, hairstyle and make up confused the poll personnel. In most of the polling booths deployment of police forces were not adequate. Only house guard was deployed in polling booths which has given space for bogus voting. It was also found that in some places home guard/police acted as polling agent.
The study lauded the role of state election commission, police and district administration for their good job during the whole process of poll. Barring few violent incidents in Imamganj, Sherghati (both in Gaya) and Patna district, the poll passed off peacefully. It was also found that in several panchayats ‘mukhiya pati’ were mercilessly beaten due to their internal politics.
Though there is a complete ban on all types of liquor but in this election country made liquor were distributed among voters. Cash flow and distribution of saree-dhoti by candidates to influence voters were also witnessed. Several candidates left their job and education to contest election. The report also said that several known families of Maoists were also in the fray for the post of mukhiya.