HUSNABAD: A rare political development has emerged in Jillelagadda panchayat of Siddipet district, where a software company owner has filed nomination for the sarpanch election.
Traditionally, farmers and local leaders contest for the post, but this time the village is witnessing an unusual candidature.
Lavudya Ravinder, who runs a software company in Hyderabad, is contesting for the Jillelagadda sarpanch seat. Ravinder holds a BTech and an MBA, worked abroad for some years, and later returned to Hyderabad to establish his own firm. He currently oversees the company's operations.
Tech entrepreneur steps into village politics
The Jillelagadda sarpanch post has been reserved for Scheduled Tribe (General). Ravinder, who completed higher education, worked overseas and now manages his company, decided to enter the fray with a focus on village development.
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He filed his nomination on Friday amid drumbeats, accompanied by his family members and supporters. Villagers said an educated individual taking charge as sarpanch could bring new ideas and development opportunities to the village.
Congress tells aspirants: win first, scarf later
HUSNABAD: Congress has conveyed a clear condition to sarpanch aspirants seeking the party's support: "Win first, then we will give the party scarf." Party leaders are advising candidates not to expect the scarf until after the results.
With Friday being the last day for filing nominations for the third phase of sarpanch and ward member elections, nomination centres in Husnabad mandal saw heavy activity. Elections will be held for 17 gram panchayats and 140 wards in Husnabad mandal, 38 gram panchayats and 306 wards in Akkanapet mandal, and 27 gram panchayats and 244 wards in Koheda mandal. Candidates arrived in rallies to demonstrate their strength before filing papers.
Factionalism surfaces within Congress panels
The poll atmosphere has intensified in villages across Husnabad constituency, represented by Ponnam Prabhakar. In several villages, two or three Congress aspirants are competing for the sarpanch seat, each setting up separate panels. This has led to factional divisions within the party, with leaders extending support to their preferred candidates.
Workers are confused about who officially represents the party. Congress leaders believe that any winning candidate will eventually return to the party fold. They fear that formally endorsing one candidate now may push others away, and hence the party is avoiding issuing the scarf until after polling.