Historic OBC Reservation Spurs Large Turnout in Gujarat Panchayat Polls

Gujarat held panchayat elections with a historic 27% OBC reservation, drawing nearly 81 lakh voters to elect thousands of local leaders. Despite rain and isolated violence, voting was largely peaceful and enthusiastic, highlighted by a 95-year-old's participation. Results are due on June 25.

Gujarat witnessed a landmark electoral exercise as nearly 3,894 gram panchayats went to polls under a newly imposed 27% reservation for the Other Backward Classes (OBCs). This development, following the Zaveri Commission's recommendations, attracted attention as voters thronged polling stations despite challenging weather conditions.

The State Election Commission (SEC) enabled 81 lakh voters to elect 3,656 sarpanchs and 16,224 panchayat members across 10,479 polling stations. While the process was largely peaceful, isolated incidents of violence were reported, such as an attack on a sarpanch candidate's kin in Panchmahal district. Yet, the overall atmosphere remained spirited, with voters eager to influence grassroots governance.

The significance of these polls lay in their scale and context. After the state government's decision to adjust the OBC reservation proportionally, these elections mark a pivotal point in local governance. As counting awaits on June 25, political candidates eye the potential transformations within Gujarat's rural power structure.

(With inputs from agencies.)