Maharashtra’s gram panchayats have united in protest following the murder of Sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh, sparking a three-day bandh organized by the Sarpanch Seva Mahasangh from December 31 to January 2. Thousands of sarpanches from Vidarbha and other regions joined the call, demanding enhanced protection under the Public Servants (Inquiries) Act.
The murder has highlighted increasing threats and attacks on sarpanches, often linked to local disputes over issues such as windmills, sand mining, and illegal businesses. Purushottam Ghogare, president of the Sarpanch Seva Mahasangh, stated, “Over 7,000 gram panchayats in Vidarbha and beyond participated in the bandh. Sarpanches, as public servants, should be afforded legal protection to carry out their duties without fear.”
The Akhil Bhartiya Sarpanch Parishad has also announced a separate bandh on January 9, marking a month since Deshmukh’s death. Jayant Patil and Pradip Mane from the Parishad emphasized the need for filing cases under Section 353 of the Indian Penal Code for any threats or attacks on sarpanches, ensuring accountability and deterrence.
Demands for Justice
Deshmukh’s brother, Dhananjay, has sought the support of Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange-Patil, who has called for strict action against those linked to the accused, including NCP minister Dhananjay Munde, though not naming him directly. Jarange-Patil remarked, “If Deshmukh were a relative of a prominent leader, would the response have been the same? Failure to act will trigger state-wide protests.”
Broader Concerns
The protest underscores the risks faced by sarpanches, who are responsible for implementing government schemes in rural areas. The Sarpanch Seva Mahasangh’s bandh halted gram panchayat operations statewide for three days, symbolizing solidarity and the urgency of their demands.
The tragic murder and subsequent bandh have reignited conversations about the safety and rights of local leaders, pushing the state government to address the systemic issues threatening governance in rural Maharashtra.
Sources By Agencies
