In khapland, BC auto-driver elected sarpanch unopposed

Sat Singh

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Tribune News Service

Bhiwani, December 28

In a village dominated by Jats, an auto-rickshaw driver from a backward class has been unanimously elected sarpanch of Sumra Khera in Bawani Khera block. The decision to elect Satpal Kumar Verma (41) was taken during a meeting on Sunday. He belongs to the Kumhar community. 

His community has nearly 100 votes are from the out of 800. The village is dominated by Sangwan and Sheoran gotras.

Rajender Singh, former sarpanch, said a Jat had been the village head for 40 years. “This time, two candidates each from Sheoran, Sangwan and Kotari gotras were in the fray. The Jat community was divided on whom to support.”

Prabhu Ram, who presided over an 11-member committee that elected Verma, said to maintain brotherhood in the village, a person from the Kumhar community should be given a chance.

Verma, who has passed Class X, said he was preparing to contest the elections. “I never expected to be elected unopposed.” 

The committee also elected seven panches unopposed during the meeting.

“Caste politics plays an important role in electing the sarpanch. Being from the Backward Class, chances of my winning against Jat candidates were slim,” he said.

Om Prakash Mann, spokesperson for the Sarv Khap Panchayat, said the decision to elected sarpanch panches unanimously reinforced brotherhood in society and served as an example for others to follow.