A man from Odisha, who is reportedly a father of eight children, has won the post of a ward member even before the forthcoming panchayat polls without contest despite presence of strict regulation preventing a parent of more than two children from fighting the election.
According to sources, one Gangadhar Nayak of Dihagaon panchayat under Daspalla block in Nayagarh reportedly has eight children. He had filed his nomination to contest election as a member from ward number 7.
Nayak is said to have almost secured the post unofficially as uncontested since no other participant has filed nomination against him, sources informed, adding that, Gangadhar’s wife was also elected as a ward member in the 2017 rural elections.
“This is not the first time I have been elected as the ward member. I had also held the position after registering victory in the earlier elections. Not only me, my wife had also won the 2017 elections and served five years as a ward member,” said Gangadhara.
Sukrasena Nayak, a resident of Dihagaon said, “Our village is very small, so we give very less importance to the ward member post. So, we are least concerned about who is filing nomination for the position."
Meanwhile, Nayagarh Sub Collector said action will be taken in this regard after the election if complaint is lodged over Gangadhar’s candidature.
“He (Gangadhar) might have declared that he has two children while filing nomination. As no one opposed his candidature, nothing can be done now. Action can be taken after the end of the election,” said Lagnajit Rout, Nayagarh Sub Collector.