Mandya: GP reservation list out; women gain upper hand

The reservation list announced for the upcoming Gram Panchayat elections, in Mandya, has disappointed men. Women have gained an upper hand with the reservation for them crossing 70 per cent at some places.

The men folk, who were waiting enthusiastically for the GP polls, have started lodging complaints with the Election Officer, in this regard. 

In all, there are 234 GPs in the district and elections will be held for 3,889 posts. Out of this, 57.31 per cent has been reserved for women candidates. The percentage was 43.27 in the last polls and has seen a rise of 14 per cent.

Circular

According to a circular issued by the State Election Commission, the total reservation should not exceed 50 per cent. However, the reservation should not be on an average but the number of seats in each GP. If there are five seats, three seats should be reserved for women, according to the directives.

In Holalu GP, out of 14 members, 10 seats have been reserved for women. District Gram Panchayat Members Federation president Naganna Banasawadi described the reservation as unscientific.

 The Election Commission has not given time for filing objections. More time should be provided to file objections and to rectify errors, he said.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Deputy Commissioner Ajay Nagabushan said, the reservation has been decided as per the directives of the Election Commission.