The case came from West Champaran district in Bihar. A dispute started after a village head won a panchayat election from a seat reserved for the Extremely Backward Class (EBC). Later, some people questioned his caste certificate. They claimed he belonged to the Kushwaha community.

The Kushwaha caste falls under the Other Backward Class (OBC) category in Bihar. The Dangi caste falls under the EBC category. This difference became the main issue in the case.

The High Court studied the inquiry report and government records. It said clearly that the Kushwaha community cannot fight election as Dangi. The court also refused to accept the petition challenging the earlier findings.

The judgment sends a clear message. Candidates must use their real caste identity while contesting elections on reserved seats.

The post Kushwaha Community Cannot Fight Election as Dangi, Says Patna High Court appeared first on India Podcast.

Six officers caught protecting accused in Bihar election scam became clear after an investigation revealed that the charge sheet against the accused officer remained pending for nearly three and a half years. Authorities submitted the charge sheet only two days before the officer’s retirement.

The accused officer earlier worked as the Block Development Officer (BDO) in Muroul block. The State Election Commission had already ordered action after complaints of election irregularities surfaced.

Reports say that the election symbol of a candidate contesting for the Mukhiya post in Etaha Rasulnagar Panchayat was changed, which triggered the complaint.

Now, the Rural Development Department has ordered the District Magistrate to identify the responsible officers and take action against them.

The post Six Officers Caught Protecting Accused in Bihar Election Scam appeared first on India Podcast.

Election officials said the poll schedule will follow the Panchayati Raj Act. All legal and administrative work is being planned in advance to avoid last-minute hurdles. The Commission also made it clear that there is no confusion over the election timeline.

Reservation of seats is one of the key steps before the polls. Officials said this process will be completed on time. Once reservations are finalised, the formal election schedule will be announced.

Bihar last conducted panchayat elections in 2021. Those elections were held in multiple phases across the state. This time too, the Commission may choose a phased approach to ensure smooth polling.

The Election Commission stressed that local self-government is a constitutional responsibility. Timely elections are necessary to keep democratic institutions active at the village level.

Political activity is expected to increase in rural areas as preparations begin. All eyes are now on when the official poll dates will be declared.

The post Bihar Panchayat Election: The Deadline That Could Change Local Politics appeared first on India Podcast.