Kiran’s aide is Tosham sarpanch

Tribune News Service

Bhiwani, September 25

Congress Legislature Party leader Kiran Choudhry supported Devraj Goyal was today elected sarpanch of Tosham village. Goyal, a sitting sarpanch, won the bypoll by defeating Matlesh Sardana by a margin of 1,450 votes. Sardana was supported by Bhiwani-Mahendragarh MP Dharambir Singh.

Candidates did not contest the elections on the party symbols, but their allegiance to their political masters was well known. Sources said the main factor which worked in favour of Goyal, also known as Toshamiya, his initiative. “Earlier, the panchayat used to earn Rs 60,000 per month from the rent of shops. Goyal got constructed 120 more shops and increased the monthly revenue to Rs 12.50 lakh per month,” said Om Prakash, a resident of the town.

No polling in Jatu Lohari village

Voters of ward 2 in Jatu Lohari village boycotted the polling after two members of a family decided to contest the bypoll for the post of panch. Ranjit and his nephew Yashpal were in direct fight from the same ward. Sources said that villagers had tried hard to convince them to withdraw their nominations and show a united face, but to no avail.