Zila Panchayat chief polls nearing, Samajwadi Party says BJP poaching leaders

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, June 29

Ahead of the elections to various posts of zila panchayat (ZP), including of chairpersons, a war of words has erupted between key contenders BJP and the Samajwadi Party (SP).

Twenty-two zila panchayat chairpersons were elected unopposed while elections for the remaining 53 will be held on July 3.

The SP has accused the BJP of poaching its candidates and using dubious means to somehow project a win even though it had “lost” the panchayat elections held in April. The BJP, on the other hand, alleged the SP was looking for excuses as it was staring at an imminent defeat.

“Those who have abused each democratic institution are talking of ethics and morality,” BJP state chief Swatantra Dev Singh said. SP chief Akhilesh Yadav, who alleged his candidates were stopped by the local administration and the police from filing nomination, is believed to have removed some district party presidents for “colluding” with the BJP.

With Assembly poll a few months away, securing maximum posts in these panchayats has become a prestige issue for both parties.

Crucial semi-final

• 22 zila panchayat chiefs have been elected unopposed
• 53 are to be elected through voting on July 3
• The polls are being seen as a semifinal ahead of UP Assembly polls next year