Huge Auction for Sarpanch Post in Jonnalagadda Village of Palnadu District

Gram panchayat election activity is picking up across Andhra Pradesh even before the nomination process for the first phase has begun. While some villages are reportedly exploring unanimous elections to avoid campaign expenses and local rivalries, the practice of conducting public auctions for Sarpanch posts has sparked debate. Jonnalagadda Gram Panchayat in Narasaraopet Mandal of Palnadu district has become a talking point after a reported bid of ₹81 lakh was made for the Sarpanch post. With a population of fewer than 5,000, the village is scheduled to go to polls in the first phase. According to the information available, leaders from two major political parties in the village had decided to support an unanimous selection. However, as three candidates expressed interest in contesting for the post, village elders reportedly held discussions on how to select one candidate.

The elders eventually decided to conduct an auction to choose the candidate. During the bidding held two days ago in the presence of village elders, Korata Gopala Rao reportedly offered ₹77 lakh, while Yerra Srinivasa Rao made a higher offer of ₹81 lakh. Following the bidding, the elders decided to support Srinivasa Rao as the unanimous candidate, and flex banners bearing his name appeared in the village. Meanwhile, the state government has announced financial incentives for gram panchayats that elect their representatives unanimously: ₹15 lakh for villages with fewer than 5,000 people, ₹25 lakh for those with a population between 5,000 and 10,000, and ₹50 lakh for villages with more than 10,000 people. If Jonnalagadda's election is officially declared unanimous, the village may receive the ₹15 lakh incentive in addition to the amount reportedly offered during the auction. The developments have raised questions about the practice of bidding for elected positions and the role of such incentives in encouraging unanimous elections.