Chandigarh, Nov 8
A ceremony to swear in 10,000 newly elected sarpanches is taking place in Ludhiana at the Cycle Valley in Dhanansu village. Prominent figures, including AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, who is the chief guest, and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, have arrived to participate in the event.
Kejriwal congratulated the sarpanches on their election and emphasized their responsibility to serve their villages and communities. He stated, “You have been chosen by the people, so your duty is to work for your village and its residents. This is a unique opportunity to serve, and the Almighty intends to bring goodness to your village through you.”
He further highlighted the challenging nature of the sarpanch’s role, noting, “Becoming an MLA is easier than winning a sarpanch election. People have placed their trust in you, so you must work hard for your village. We must make Punjab drug-free. Take strong steps to eradicate drugs from the villages.”
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann Calls for Drug-Free Villages
In his address, CM Bhagwant Mann emphasized the goal of making villages drug-free. “People in villages know who is involved in the drug trade. Many villages already have youth clubs actively working against drugs. Besides this, we must also work towards a greener Punjab,” he said. Mann mentioned a recent report indicating a rise in the water level in Punjab—a positive sign for the state. He urged the sarpanches to maintain unity, noted the recent provision of 45,000 jobs for youth, and highlighted the free electricity scheme.
Oath for Panchayat Members After By-Elections
During this state-level event, CM Mann administered the oath to 10,031 sarpanches from 19 districts across 13,147 village panchayats in Punjab’s 23 districts. In the remaining four districts—Sri Muktsar Sahib, Hoshiarpur, Barnala, and Gurdaspur—the newly elected sarpanches and 81,808 panches across 23 districts will take their oaths following the by-elections in Gidderbaha, Chabbewal, Barnala, and Dera Baba Nanak assembly constituencies.
3,037 Sarpanches Elected Unopposed
In the recent panchayat elections, 3,037 sarpanches were elected unopposed, with the highest numbers in Firozpur (336), Gurdaspur (335), and Tarn Taran (334).
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