After 45 Years, This Gujarat Village Holds Its First Panchayat Election: Here’s Why
Jamnagar: In a rare and significant moment during the ongoing Gram Panchayat elections in Gujarat, Vibhapar village in Jamnagar district is holding an election for the first time in 45 years. Until now, the village had followed a unique tradition of selecting its panchayat members unanimously, avoiding any formal contest through mutual understanding and cooperation among villagers. However, this year marks a turning point.
To help the younger generation understand the democratic process and experience real elections, the villagers decided to break from tradition. As a result, four candidates have entered the fray, prompting the first election in nearly half a century.
Former Sarpanch Dhirubhai Pansara explained, “For 45 years, our community maintained unity and selected panchayat representatives unanimously. But to educate the youth about the election process, we decided to conduct an actual vote this time.”
Vibhapar, with an estimated 3,000 to 3,200 registered voters, witnessed peaceful polling with enthusiastic participation since early morning. All four candidates are contesting in a calm atmosphere, reflecting the village’s long-standing values of harmony.
This development is part of a larger democratic exercise in Gujarat, where over 8,326 Gram Panchayats are going to polls. More than 81 lakh voters are expected to cast their votes across 10,479 polling stations. Voting began at 7 am and will conclude at 6 pm today, with results scheduled to be announced on June 25.
Notably, due to by-elections in Kadi and Visavadar assembly constituencies, Panchayat elections in certain talukas, Kadi, Jotana, Bhensan, Visavadar, Junagadh Rural, and Bagasara, have been deferred. The election dates were officially announced by the Gujarat State Election Commission on May 28, 2025.
This small but powerful change in Vibhapar reflects a growing awareness of civic engagement and the importance of passing on democratic traditions to future generations.