Rajasthan To Hold Panchayati Raj Polls In One Go, 1.55 Lakh Representatives To Be Elected

For the first time, Rajasthan will hold its Panchayati Raj elections concurrently across the state, utilizing the "one state, one election" framework. The State Election Commission announced the election timeline, beginning on October 8 and concluding on November 28. A total of more than 1.55 lakh representatives will be elected, with the electoral process divided into four phases.

Women will comprise 50% of the elected representatives in Panchayati Raj institutions, ensuring gender equality in rural governance. Elections for Zila Parishad and Panchayat Samiti members are scheduled for October 23, October 29, November 4, and November 14, with results declared on November 20. Sarpanch and Ward Panch election phases will occur on October 25, October 31, November 6, and November 16, with final results announced on the polling day.

Notably, Sarpanch and Ward Panch elections will be conducted through traditional ballot papers, while Panchayat Samiti and Zila Parishad elections will utilize Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). Pradhans and Pramukhs in selected districts will be elected separately in December. With 50% reservation for women, half of the elected positions will be held by female candidates.

Approximately 4.09 crore voters will participate in the elections, with a majority of them being male. The concurrent state-wide elections aim to gauge the political sentiment in Rajasthan's rural areas, as the results will reflect both parties' organizational strength and rural support base.