Minister upholds disqualification decision of 12 members of Sajapur-Karodi GP

Aurangabad, March 16:

Minister of State for Rural Development Abdul Sattar upheld the additional divisional commissioner's decision to disqualify 12 members of Sajapur-Karodi Gram Panchayat, including Sarpanch and deputy Sarpanch. This paved the way for fresh GP elections.

According to details, elections were held for 13 seats in the GP three years ago. Ankush Raut was elected directly from the public as Sarpanch. The office-bearers were working smoothly.

But, they passed a resolution for a house and industrial construction permission in the monthly meeting held on January 20 and February 2, 2018.

There was a need to take non-agriculture permission for construction from the district collector. Also, it is mandatory to take permission from Cidco and MIDC since the GP falls within their jurisdiction. GP members Shaikh Ismali made a complaint with Panchayat Samit, Zilla Parishad, district collector office, divisional commissioner office about approval of the resolution by sarpanch and office-bearers illegally.

After enquiry, additional divisional commissioner Vijaykumar Phad disqualified Sarpanch Raut, deputy Sarpanch Shaikh Yusuf and other members on February 6 last year.

Ankush Raut made an appeal with Minister Abdul Sattar. A hearing through videoconference was done in Mantralaya recently.

After hearing all parties, Abdul Sattar upheld the decision of the additional divisional commissioner. Sajapur-Karodi GP has two years of duration remaining. The office-bearers has left with no legal option as the Government rejected their appeal. This paved the way for holding a fresh election in GP.