Rural Panchayat Elections warm up: 7,500 candidates in DK alone

05.05.10 Managlore : The state Gram Panchayat elections have warmed up like the seasonal hot weather and 7,500 candidates have jumped into the ring of battle, like boxers.

In 2000 villages, the last date for nominations withdrawal was clamped. Still around 7,500 candidates including over 3,000 women aspirants were still in the frey, much above their 33% reserve strength.

In Mangalore taluk alone, 889 women in 49 GPs included, 2306 candidates are trying their luck in the election process.

However, 27 seats have been declared as unanimous or unopposed so far, so there is no contest.

In Puttur taluk, 37 GPs need elected winners, out of 1279 candidates in the ballot, and 503 among them are women, again above 33%.

In Sullia taluk there are 27 GPs and 320 seats, but 708 candidates have filed their papers of which 307 women have a higher percentage in the fight than a mere third.

In Bantwal taluk, 46 GPs have 804 seats for members, whereas 711 women out of 1471 candidates in all are testing their prowess.

In Belthangady taluk, 41 GPs provide 583 elected seats, but there are 1471 candidates of whom 597 are women. 7 persons returned unopposed there. It shows women are no longer shy to compete in rural areas to the elected posts in D.K. district. A holiday on May 12 is declared on the election date in the coastal region.  Counting of votes is fixed for May 17.