Patiala: Ultpur village shows the way, electing head unanimously since ’59

Ultpur, a remote village in Patiala has set a unique example of brotherhood in every panchayat poll.

It is the only village in Punjab where sarpanch has been elected unanimously ever since the Panchayati Raj system came into force.

The residents of Ultpur said, “The entire village stands united. Even during the Vidhan Sabha or the Parliamentary elections, there is hardly any bitter rivalry among the villagers. Our village has never seen any election for the post of sarpanch ever since the panchayat poll started in October 1959. The residents have always backed a unanimous candidate based on his or her ability to lead the village and work for the upliftment of villagers.”

This time, the residents have unanimously elected Simar Singh, who is a graduate. “Our ancestors had set this precedent of electing sarpanch unanimously and the tradition continues till date. Even when the post is reserved for a woman or the reserved category, the villagers choose the right candidate,” said Simar.

“The youngsters also follow the tradition. The result is that we have a young sarpanch who is now leading the village and commands the respect and backing of the entire village,” said septuagenarian Kuldeep Singh, who has been elected panch unanimously this time.

“The village has 360 votes and there is no one who opposes the choice of the sarpanch or panch. This helps in getting maximum grants in addition to overall development of the village,” said Kuldeep.

Election Observer for Patiala, NPS Randhawa, visited the village on Saturday and appreciated the efforts of the residents.

As elections to 13,000 gram panchayats would be held on October 15, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had already stated that any village that elects panchayat unanimously would get a grant of Rs 5 lakh along with a stadium, school or

a hospital.