Uttarakhand Panchayat Elections: BJP's Emerging Rural Dominance

The counting of votes continued in Uttarakhand on Thursday for the three-tier panchayat elections, according to the state election commission. Results were already declared for several positions including 5,913 of gram panchayat pradhan, 95 zila panchayat members, and 1,916 kshetra panchayat members.

With a total of 7,499 gram panchayat pradhan positions in the state, elections were conducted in two phases on July 24 and 28. The state houses 358 zila panchayat member posts and 2,974 kshetra panchayat member posts. The counting commenced at 8 am and is anticipated to continue till nightfall.

Polling encompassed 89 blocks across 12 districts, culminating in a 69.16% voter turnout. The elections, though non-party-based, see candidates supported by political entities. BJP, in particular, has expressed assurance following broad victories in gram pradhan and ward member roles, envisioning a 'triple-engine' rural governance.

(With inputs from agencies.)