Maheshwar (Madhya Pradesh): A major administrative blunder came to light in Maheshwar Janpad Panchayat as a by-election was held in the wrong ward. According to information, following the death of the member from ward no 7, a by-election was supposed to be conducted there. However, officials mistakenly issued the election notification for ward no 9.
The mistake went unnoticed until nominations were filed. Only one candidate, Abhay Singh Bariya, submitted his nomination for ward 9 and was declared elected unopposed. BJP leaders, including mandal president Vikram Patel and janpad president Ashok Dawar, even celebrated the victory for development. Later, it was discovered that Ward 9 was already filled and the election was entirely invalid.
As per reports, the error occurred due to a failure in verifying reports, haste in issuing the notification and confusion between ward 7 and ward 9 files. The collector immediately cancelled the election by terming it a “gross administrative lapse.” Two employees including Ajay Verma and Ramalal Barsena were suspended.
Verma, assistant grade-3, was attached to Barwaha Janpad Panchayat and Barsena, block panchayat officer in-charge, was suspended. CEO Akash Singh said, “This is serious negligence. The election for ward 9 was conducted based on an incorrect report, which has now been cancelled. Two guilty employees have been suspended. Steps are being taken to prevent such mistakes in the future.” The incident raised concerns over the credibility and efficiency of the local electoral process in Maheshwar.
