Aurangabad, Jan 19:
The power struggle of Jogeshwari Gram Panchayat was witnessed on Tuesday as 16 newly elected members of this GP have left for an unknown place for a trip. Discussions were on in the political arena that the trip was organized to prevent the members from splitting in the run-up to the Sarpanch elections.
This economically viable GP in the industrial city has been dominated by Shiv Sena-NCP for the last two decades. In this year's panchayat elections, Sena, NCP and BJP had fielded a large number of ward-wise candidates without forming separate panels. Sena and BJP have decided to join hands and come together as no party has been able to reach the magic number of majority in this election. The panel heads of both the parties have formed a strong front to take over the GP and have taken along the winning candidates from different panels. Prior to the election, the post of Sarpanch of this GP was reserved for open category women. However, after the government decided to allot reservation after the results were announced, the office bearers of the major political parties had to change their strategy. Parties had to include strong candidates from various categories in the panel so that the control would remain in their hands if a separate reservation was issued in the reservation draw.
Newly elected members on a trip
Now that the election results have been declared, no party has been able to reach a majority. Therefore, there is a strong possibility of a horse-trading to take over the GP. Around 16 members of Jogeshwari GP were sent to an unknown place for a trip to ensure that the Sarpanch elections are not rigged in the last minute. According to sources, the members are on a trip to Pune.