Massajog residents push for unopposed sarpanch bypoll

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: Residents of Massajog — in the aftermath of the kidnapping and brutal murder of their village sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh — are now pushing for the upcoming byelection to be held unopposed in order to maintain peace and unity, Santosh's brother Dhananjay said on Wednesday.The sarpanch's post fell vacant following the killing of Santosh, triggering heightened tensions in the village in Beed district's Kej taluka. With the byelection process underway, local residents and senior members of the village have proposed that the Santosh's wife should be elected unopposed."I have made it clear that I am not going to contest the elections. My deceased brother's wife will file her nomination papers. Seniors from the village have proposed that she should be elected unopposed," Dhananjay told TOI, while pointing out the sentiment within the village to avoid a contest.The development comes amid the broader byelection exercise in Beed district where polls to 88 gram panchayats have been announced. Of these, 16 are for sarpanch and remaining 72 for the members. The vacancies have arisen due to death, resignation or disqualification of the elected representatives.According to the election schedule, the nomination process for these posts has commenced and will continue until April 13. Scrutiny and other formalities will follow, with voting slated for April 28 with counting on the following day.Massajog gram panchayat election has drawn state-wide attention due to the circumstances surrounding the vacancy. Villagers are hoping that an unopposed election will help restore normalcy and prevent further discord in the aftermath of the violent incident.Local officials said adequate security arrangements are likely to be put in place during the election, considering the sensitivity of the case and public sentiments attached to it.