BHOPAL : After being routed in urban body polls particularly in municipal corporations, the opposition Congress has high hopes with Panchayat elections and aims to form its executive body in 20 to 25 district Panchayats across Madhya Pradesh. The party has sent its observers to monitor district Panchayat president’s elections slated to be held on March 12 and will issue mandate for the party supported members who were elected in last three-phase polls. “The party is in a position to form its council in 20-25 districts on the basis of majority of its supported elections,” said General Secretary (organisation) Chandrika Prasad Dwivedi.
The party could ensure victory of its president in Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh, Seoni, Datia, Khargone, Shahdol, Morena, Bhind, Umaria, Satna. It has got feedback from districts regarding elected members in janpad Panchayats and district Panchayats.
It has already sent observers for Janpad panchayat presidents’ election which will be held on Monday. “The party has sent its senior leaders to monitor polls in 313 blocks,” Dwivedi said. According to information, the Congress has clear cut majority in 16 district Panchayat and in five districts, it has neck-and-neck fight with the ruling BJP. But, all its hope depends on elected members who contested election freely and on their decision to whether they would follow the party mandate or will support BJP-supported candidate in district Panchayats.
“The party is well aware of the BJP’s strategy to promote horse trading in election. The observers have been told to keep a watch on it,” said party sources.
