Sarpanch Posts Allegedly Auctioned for Lakhs in Nizamabad
Villagers report large sums and land offers used to secure unanimous elections in several gram panchayats.
In several gram panchayats across the erstwhile Nizamabad district, allegations have emerged of sarpanch, deputy sarpanch, and ward member posts being openly auctioned. Reports suggest that candidates are spending huge amounts—running into lakhs of rupees—to secure these posts.
A total of 86 sarpanch positions in Nizamabad district and 78 in Kamareddy district have been declared unanimous. In Siddapur village of Varni mandal, Nizamabad, locals allege that the sarpanch post was purchased for ₹52 lakh, while the deputy sarpanch post went for ₹15 lakh. Similar claims have surfaced in Lakshmapur of Chandur mandal, where villagers allege that the sarpanch post cost ₹45 lakh and the deputy sarpanch ₹10 lakh.
In Kamareddy district’s Gandhari mandal, 16 gram panchayats became unanimous allegedly after candidates promised not only money but also land donations for temples and panchayat buildings. In Lingampet mandal, 14 panchayats were unanimous, with locals stating that 10 of them saw similar transactions. In one thanda along the Lingampet–Gandhari route, a sarpanch aspirant reportedly offered four guntas of land for a panchayat building, while the deputy sarpanch aspirant offered two guntas for an anganwadi centre.
In another neighbouring village, three of eight ward positions were reportedly auctioned for ₹50,000 each. In a thanda with a population of about 700, the sarpanch post was allegedly bought for ₹16.5 lakh. Locals say they are shocked at the extent of spending by aspirants in their pursuit of these positions.
