Tue Dec 02 12:39:34 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text:
The Forum for Good Governance in Hyderabad is raising concerns about the increasing trend of unanimous elections in Gram Panchayat polls that are being secured through coercion, inducements, and forced withdrawals. They argue that this undermines the democratic process and local self-governance. The forum is calling for stricter scrutiny of unopposed elections and proposing measures like counting all phases of polling on the same day and holding unopposed elections in abeyance pending investigation. They emphasize the need for fair elections and the participation of educated youth in local governance to combat corruption and ensure effective service to villages.
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Hyderabad, India – December 2, 2025 – Forum Warns of Democratic Erosion in Gram Panchayat Elections
The Forum for Good Governance (FGG) issued a stark warning today regarding the integrity of Gram Panchayat elections, citing a troubling rise in unanimous victories secured through coercion and unethical means. During a press conference held in Hyderabad, FGG members, including former IAS officer R.V. Chandravadan and retired bureaucrat M.V. Reddy, expressed deep concern that political parties and practices such as auctioning posts are undermining the principles of local self-governance.
“These elections are becoming party-based contests, straying far from their intended purpose,” stated Mr. Chandravadan. Mr. Reddy further cautioned that the auctioning of posts excludes disadvantaged communities and endangers democracy.
The FGG highlighted that candidates obtaining positions through unethical means are more likely to engage in corruption and fail to serve their communities effectively. They applauded a recent circular issued by the State Election Commission aimed at curbing forced unanimous polls but deemed it insufficient.
The forum proposed two key resolutions to the Commission: conducting the counting of all three phases of polling simultaneously on December 17th, and temporarily suspending unopposed elections for a week pending investigation. Forum president M. Padmanabha Reddy stated that if irregularities such as auctions or forced withdrawals are found, the election should be invalidated and a repoll ordered.
The FGG also emphasized the crucial role of educated youth in contesting these elections and contributing to the development of their villages. The organization’s warning underscores growing concerns about the state of grassroots democracy and the need for greater vigilance in ensuring fair and ethical electoral practices.
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