12 Aug 2022  |   06:46am IST

With the influx of first-time candidates, villagers hope for change

There were several candidates in their 20’s this year, who do not care about the MLAs or Ministers, but are looking to work for the betterment of their respective wards.

Team Herald

PONDA: Even as the results of Wednesday’s panchayat elections are the talk of the town in Ponda, people are waiting with bated breath to learn the fate of the young and first-time candidates, who gave a tough fight to candidates backed by established politicians. In Ponda, 601 candidates from 19 panchayats are in the fray; only one was elected unopposed from Bethki Khandola Panchayat. Citizens say they have voted for change this time, and to give new faces an opportunity, as the unsolicited interference from politicians in governance at the village level has left locals disappointed. “Even though panchayat elections are not fought on party lines, it is no secret that many candidates are secretly supported and are loyal to their political bosses.

However, there were several candidates in their 20’s this year, who do not care about the MLAs or Ministers, but are looking to work for the betterment of their respective wards. We hope they get an opportunity to prove their mettle through these polls” said a local.