Violence mars third phase of Rajasthan panchayat elections

Polling in the third phase of panchayat elections for sarpanch and ward panch posts in 27 districts of Rajasthan on Thursday was marred by clashes, stone-pelting, allegations of bogus voting and protests at several places. Supporters of rival candidates clashed in Sikar, Chittorgarh, and Balotra districts.

A dispute between supporters of two sarpanch candidates turned violent at Delsar village in the Nawalgarh area of Jhunjhunu district, with the two sides allegedly attacking each other with sticks and batons. A youth from Punjab’s Hoshiarpur died in the clash, while two others sustained injuries.

The police detained several persons for questioning and seized vehicles. At Bassi in Chittorgarh district, police resorted to a lathi charge after supporters of two candidates clashed over alleged bogus voting. Tension prevailed in Sikar’s Sami village after stones were hurled at a vehicle near a polling station. Sarpanch candidate Arun Pareek was allegedly assaulted by his rival and around 50 supporters at Bhojya Ki Dhani village panchayat.

Voting for the sarpanch post was cancelled at Ludi Jhabar village panchayat in Rajgarh panchayat samiti of Churu district after the nomination of the only candidate was rejected during scrutiny. No election was held in the absence of a candidate.

Polling was held in 3,716 village panchayats under 116 panchayat samitis for 3,716 sarpanch and 34,218 ward panch seats.