BCs win over 50 percent sarpanch seats in Karimnagar

Backward Classes emerged strong in the recent gram panchayat elections in the erstwhile Karimnagar district by winning over 50 percent of sarpanch seats, including a large share of general seats, reflecting growing political awareness among the community

Karimnagar: Though the State government failed to implement its promise of providing 42 percent reservation to Backward Classes in the local body elections, the community showcased its strength by winning more than 50 percent of sarpanch seats in the recent gram panchayat elections in the erstwhile Karimnagar district.

Besides the seats reserved for BCs, a majority of the general seats were also captured by community candidates. Political awareness as well as the spread of the BC slogan helped aspirants win more sarpanch seats. The State government issued a special GO providing 42 percent reservation to Backward Classes. Later, a schedule for gram panchayat polls was also issued. Some people approached the court challenging the government order.

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A total of 51.06 percent of seats were won by community candidates. Out of 1,226 gram panchayats in old Karimnagar, 626 were captured by BCs. Besides 297 reserved seats, they also contested in 600 general seats and won 329 sarpanch posts. BCs captured the highest number of general seats in Jagtial, followed by Karimnagar, Sircilla and Peddapalli. Surprisingly, SC and ST candidates also won in general seats in a few areas.

Out of 379 gram panchayats in Jagtial, BC aspirants won 224 seats, including 98 reserved and 126 general. In Karimnagar, community candidates secured 156 sarpanch posts, including 74 reserved and 82 general, out of a total of 313 gram panchayats.

As many as 126 seats were won, including 69 reserved and 57 general, in 263 panchayats in Peddapalli district. In Rajanna Sircilla, out of 252 gram panchayats, BC candidates captured 120 seats, including 56 reserved and 64 general. Analysts opined that political awareness and the spread of the BC slogan helped aspirants win more sarpanch seats.

Earlier, there was a misconception among people that only OC candidates should contest in general seats. Moreover, BCs were not considered capable enough to face the money power and influence enjoyed by upper caste candidates. With education and better earnings, people from backward communities gained confidence. There was also a growing opinion that the long-standing hegemony system needed to end.

As a result, BC, SC and ST candidates contested in general seats and won a majority of them. Analysts opined that similar results could be seen in Zilla Parishad and municipal elections as well.