This village in Telangana has not seen Sarpanch polls for over three decades

Gudem village in Mancherial has not seen Sarpanch elections for over 30 years due to ST reservation rules, frustrating locals. Despite being a major pilgrimage site for Sri Satyanarayana Swamy, residents allege development has been neglected under special administration

Mancherial: Temple village Gudem in Dandepalli mandal has not seen elections to the post of Sarpanch for over three decades, leaving locals frustrated.

Gudem was included in the Scheduled Area considering a significant tribal population in 1950. However, the tribals migrated to other parts of the State in search of livelihood over a period of time. The post of Sarpanch was reserved for STs in 1987. As no tribals have been living in the village, the post has been lying vacant since then.

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Locals have been staging protests seeking removal of the village from the notified area for quite a long time, but in vain. The villagers pinned hopes on the ensuing elections to local bodies. However, the post of Sarpanch and five ward members have been earmarked for STs again, dashing their hopes once again.

Officials said that the village populated by 1,800 voters was included in the Scheduled Are as per Fifth and Sixth Schedules of Indian Constitution. The village is administered by special officers as per the provisions of the Schedules. The Scheduled Areas were established to protect the cultural and economic interests of the Scheduled Tribes (STs) who live in a village.

However, locals opined that the status has been hindering the development of the village. They remarked that locals were not allowed to contest in the elections. They observed that the special officers were not showing interest in the village’s welfare in many aspects. They regretted that the village failed to draw the attention of devotees.

Significantly, the village houses the ancient abode of Sri Satyanarayana Swamy located on a hillock. The temple is regarded as Annavaram of Telangana. Pilgrims from across Telangana, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh visit the temple. Couples visit the shrine and perform Satyanarayana Swamy Vratham to thank the deity and seek the wellbeing of their family.