Part 02- Independence, Political Empowerment, and Community Building : Panchayati Raj in India

How have Panchayati Raj elections evolved post-independence? And how can they make or break a political party’s future in the state? Over the years Panchayat elections have become crucial for parties to establish voter connect, build a support mechanism and regain political space at the village level. With Panchayats implementing a majority of the rural development programs, Panchayati Raj institutions will become even more important in the coming years – they can make or break a political party’s future and it’s already happening. Elections, Then & Now The first Panchayati Raj elections were conducted in 1959. Rajasthan was one of the first states to implement the three-tier structure in its villages, followed by Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. Panchayati elections,