Raj Samadhiyala, a small hamlet in Saurashtra of poll-bound Gujarat has set an example for the policy makers of the nation by making voting compulsory for its inhabitant.
Practice of compulsory voting is not new to nearly 1,100 eligible voters of this village. It has been done successfully for over 15 years right from panchayat elections up to lok Sabha polls. In the upcoming Gujarat Assembly polls also, all villagers are expected to turn to celebrate the most important democratic function. The example of the Raj Samadhiyala Gram Panchayat could be an eye opener for the Election Commission of India (ECI) and other agencies which have not been able to achieve what the villagers here have done.
The Gram Panchayat here has formulated stringent norms to ensure that every single eligible voters turn up at polling booths. In case a voter is unable to cast one’s vote, s/he must furnish convincing explanation to the 15-member village committee. In case s/he fails to do so, the committee slaps a fine of up to Rs 500.
In addition to making voting compulsory, the panchayat has also taken several others poll-related measures. “This is not enough. Political campaign inside the village is not allowed. We don’t support any political outfit. Votes of the village go to a candidate only on the basis of credentials and his commitment for the development of village,’’ says Hardevsinh Jadeja, former Sarpanch of Raj Samadhiyala.
Jadeja believes that political campaigns divide people and creates bitterness among them. “Political leaders respect our sentiments. During elections they come up to main gate of the village, but don’t enter it,” he says.
As a result no group meetings or door-to-door campaign is being seen in the village.
The village panchayat does not even allow them to put any sort of hoardings, banners or distribute leaflets and poll-related material.
In our country election campaigns are done on the basis of caste and communities, says villager Suresh Patel, adding that such political activities create enmity among people. According to him, the villagers want to keep peace and harmony intact and in future too they wouldn’t allow any political activity in the village which led to division among people.
The villagers are keen to preserve their unity. The village has not witnessed any contest for the post of Sarpanch for over five decades. The villagers appoint their representative unanimously.
Situated between two biggest cities of Saurashtra region — Rajkot and Bhavnagar — this unique panchayat has elected a Dalit lady, Bhavnaben Vaghera, as Sarpanch for the last two terms despite the fact that more than 70 per cent residents here are from Patidar community.
This rare bonhomie here has given the panchayat the unique distinction of being totally crime-free. Over three decades, not a single crime took place in this hamlet. The panchayat has also been conferred with ‘Tirth Gram’ award from the Government of India.
The village also remained unaffected by the ongoing pro-quota Patidar agitation led by Hardik Patel and others.