It is a common trend in politics that a person who contests the gram panchayat elections, eyes for the zilla panchayat elections to elevate himself in the panchayat raj system.
In a reversal to this trend, sitting BJP member of Hirebevanur ZP of Indi taluk, Sunanda Walikar, is contesting in the GP election from ward number seven of Tadavalaga GP in Indi taluk.
The ward has been reserved for Schedule Tribe women.
Two reasons have apparently prompted her to contest in the GP election; first, the possibility of becoming GP president if she wins the polls, and second, her estranged husband’s second wife, Yellawwa Walikar, is also in the fray.
Two of Ms. Sunanda Walikar’s aunts, Putalibai Walikar and Bebi Walikar, are also in contention for the post.
Asked why she was contesting in the gram panchayat election despite being a zilla panchayat member, Ms. Sunanda claimed that since she hailed from Tadavalaga village, which does not fall under the Hirebevanur ZP, she wished to serve the people of her native village.
However, is it reported that she is eyeing the post of GP president if she wins the polls since the possibility of the government reserving the seat of president for ST woman is higher. Also only a year is left for the completion of her term as ZP member.
Ms. Sunanda hopes for an easy win as she claims to enjoy the support of the people.
