Dead candidate wins Sarpanch seat in Rajanna Sircilla as name stays on ballot

In Rajanna Sircilla, a deceased candidate was declared elected as Sarpanch after polling continued despite his death earlier this month. Cherla Murali, who died of a heart attack on December 5, secured over 700 votes. Authorities have put the election on hold

Rajanna Sircilla: In an unusual turn in the gram panchayat elections, a deceased person was declared elected as Sarpanch in the district on Thursday.

Fifty-three-year-old Cherla Murali had filed his nomination for the Sarpanch post from Chintala Tana under Vemulawada Urban mandal, but he died of heart attack on December 5 soon after filing his papers.

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Despite his death, Murali’s name continued to appear on the final list of contestants, and polling proceeded as scheduled. Officials said he secured more than 700 votes and won with a majority of 378 votes. With the successful candidate no longer alive, the election has been kept on hold, according to reports.