From Sarpanch to MLA: How village leaders rose in Adilabad

Victories in gram panchayat elections helped leaders like Jogu Ramanna and current MLA Payal Shankar build long political careers in Adilabad. Both began as Sarpanchs, undertook development works and eventually rose to the Assembly through sustained public engagement

Adilabad: Elections to local bodies are often seen as a platform to gauge rural public sentiment for political parties. However, for some leaders, victories in gram panchayat polls became the launchpad for long and successful political careers, even helping them enter the Assembly.

One such example is Jogu Ramanna, who was unanimously elected Sarpanch of Deepayiguda village in Jainath mandal in 1988. Over the years, he held several positions and went on to serve as Minister for BC Welfare and Forest departments. He won the Adilabad Assembly seat in 2009 on a TDP ticket, and later in the 2012 by-election, 2014 and 2018 polls representing BRS (then TRS).

---

Ramanna said winning as Sarpanch laid the foundation for his political journey. He said the role taught him how to address public issues, earn the trust of voters and develop his skills in public speaking and crisis management.

Recalling his tenure, he said he undertook social service activities such as digging 300 hand pumps to tackle a severe drinking water crisis in the village, winning appreciation from residents. Roads were developed and a school was established by utilising funds from various schemes, he said, adding that his entry into politics was driven by a desire to serve people.

Present Adilabad MLA Payal Shankar also began his political life as a Sarpanch. He served Ada village in Jainath mandal after being elected in 2000. He received an award from then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee for transforming the village into a model one. He later became an MPTC member and then a ZPTC member before defeating Ramanna in the 2023 Assembly elections.