BJP, Congress both claim victory in Uttarakhand Panchayat polls

BJP, Congress both claim victory in Uttarakhand Panchayat polls

S.M.A. Kazmi / B. D. Kasniyal

Dehradun / Pithoragarh, Aug 1

Despite the fact that ruling  Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) suffered a blow in the three tier Panchayat elections in Uttarakhand, both the BJP and main opposition Congress party claimed victory by celebrating in their respective offices, here today.

The results of the Panchayat elections were declared by the State Election Commission and many of the candidates of BJP including kith and kin of sitting legislators lost elections. The elections for the three tier Panchayat namely Gram Pardhan, Block Panchayat and Zila (district) panchayat for elections across 12 Zila Panchayats, 84 Blocks and more than, 7499 Gram Panchayats seats were held. Both of the major parties namely BJP and Congress have put up their candidates. As per elections results many of the BJP candidates including close relatives of senior party leaders and legislators lost elections.

In Pauri Garhwal district, Neetu Rawat, wife of BJP heavy weight Mahant Dilip Rawat, sitting legislator suffered a shock defeat at the hands of Congress candidate Jyoti Patwal.

Similarly, Karan Jeena son of  sitting BJP legislator from Salt in Almora district lost Block Panchayat poll. The son of BJP Nainital MLA Sarita Aryan also lost election from Bhawaligarh seat in Nainital district. In Almora, a senior BJP Sc/ST cell leader namely Sanotsh Kumar Ram and his wife both lost elections. Rajni Bhandari, wife of former Uttarakhand minister Rajinder Bhandari who defected to BJP lost election in Chamoli district. The sitting Nainital BJP Zila Panchayat chief also lost her election to a party rebel. The BJP also suffered set back in Uttarkashi district where some senior party leaders lost.

Despite these defeats, Uttarakhand BJP chief Mahender Bhatt claimed that party has won and would form boards at the district level Zila Panchayat. “Our number of seats in Zila panchayats and gram sabhas have increased this time. Our vote percentage has also increased,” he claimed .

“The voters at village level as well have expressed faith in BJP,” he added.

On the other hand, there were jubilation in Congress party camp, where Uttarakhand Congress President Karan Mahra claimed that despite every effort by ruling BJP to subvert the Panchayat elections, the people have voted for Congress party. “ These are indications that people are fed up with false promises and rhetoric of BJP and vote against them in 2027 assembly polls,” he claimed.

Suryakant Dhasmana, senior Vice president and Organising secretary of Uttarakhand Congress said that out of 16 candidates put up by Congress in Congress 12 have won elections including the son of former minister and Chakrata legislator Pritam Singh. The son of another Congress leader and former Minister Shoorveer Singh Sajwan has also won from Tehri district. He further said that party candidates through out the state have done well. “ Our party with the help of independents would be able to form the Zila Panchayat board in eight out of 12 districts,” he claimed.