PONDA: When the results of Bethki-Khandola were declared on Sunday, after the elections to the two ward which were stayed due reservation issue by the High Court, it was clear that Culture Minister Govind Gaude has once again asserted his influence.
Of the nine newly elected panchas, six are from the panel floated by Gaude. They are: Shradha Fadte, Dilip Naik, Arvind Gaonkar, Bhavna Naik, Muktha Naik and Ameena Wadkar.
The other three panchas are: Rajendra Naik, Darshana Naik and Kanak Sawanth.
Speaking after the results were declared, Gaude said that since the village has no high school, building one would be his priority. He also assured to upgrade the Bethki health centre to provide better medical facilities; and undertake beautification of village.
On mega projects, which the locals are opposed to, he said that he would attend the gram sabha and then take a call on the same.
He said that the sarpanch would be elected by new panchas following democratic process. “In case if they want my support, I will take part in their discussion in taking decision on it,” he added.
