As many as 12,667 persons have filed nomination papers for 3,589 seats in 254 gram panchayats in Hassan district for which elections are scheduled on May 29. On an average, at least three candidates are in the fray for each seat. Monday was the last day for filing nomination papers for the first phase of the polls.
According to statistics provided by the district administration, 5,622 women have filed nominations for seats reserved for them. Of the eight taluks in the district, the highest number of nomination papers have been filed in Hassan taluk, which has 35 gram panchayats. In all, 2,253 candidates are in the fray for the 606 seats in the taluk. The least number of nomination papers has been filed in Alur taluk, with 659 contestants having filed their nominations for 192 seats in the 14 GPs of the taluk. Interestingly, there are no candidates for 14 seats in the district. The last day for withdrawal of nomination papers is May 21.
There are reports that several seats in Hassan, Channarayapatna and Holenarasipur taluks have been booked for candidates, who emerged victorious in ‘auctions’ held by seniors in the villages. The stake for each seat was as high as Rs. 7 lakh in Channarayapatna taluk. The number of candidates, who win unopposed, would be known once the time for withdrawal of nomination papers expires. A few candidates have admitted, on condition of anonymity, that they will withdraw if they get paid to do so.
Office-bearers of political parties and elected representatives in zilla and taluk panchayats play a prominent role in convincing candidates to withdraw and ensure safe victory for their supporters.
This time, all the three major political parties, the Congress, the BJP and the Janata Dal (Secular), appear to have taken the elections seriously. During the 2010 elections, the JD(S) supporters had won almost 60 per cent of seats, claim its leaders. The Congress, according to its leaders, secured 40 per cent seats. The BJP, which increased its membership strength to 3.1 lakh in the district, is hopeful of performing well in the polls.
There are 5,622 women contestants in
the May 29 gram panchayat elections
There are reports of candidates being selected through auction by leaders in villages
