Widow of slain Beed sarpanch files nomination for Massajog bypoll; unopposed poll unlikely

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: The widow of slain Massajog sarpanch Santosh Deshmukh on Thursday filed her nomination for the upcoming bypoll, with the possibility of an unopposed election in the village now appearing unlikely. Ashwini Deshmukh submitted her nomination papers for the sarpanch post in Massajog village of Kej tehsil after the seat fell vacant following the kidnapping and brutal murder of her husband.According to the election schedule, nomination filing will continue from April 7 to April 13, scrutiny of applications will be held on April 15, and the last date for withdrawal of nominations is April 17. Polling is scheduled for April 28, while counting of votes and declaration of results will take place on April 29.Speaking after filing her nomination, Ashwini said she decided to contest at the insistence of villagers. "He sacrificed his life for the village. The people have expressed their wish and I have decided to contest. I will work for the development of the village and strive to fulfil his dreams," she said.However, hopes of a unanimous election have diminished with Swarupanand Deshmukh, another villager also entering the fray by filing his nomination for the post. Village elders had earlier been pushing for an unopposed election in view of the tragic circumstances surrounding Santosh Deshmukh's death.Swarupanand, while confirming his candidature, said that while the village remains united in seeking justice for Santosh Deshmukh's murder, democracy gives everyone the right to contest elections. He added that efforts to ensure justice in the murder case would continue.Local residents said Ashwini Deshmukh had earlier served as sarpanch when the post was reserved for women, after which Santosh Deshmukh was elected. Officials said the candidate elected in the bypoll will get a term of 18 months.