In a remarkable show of unity and democratic maturity, Radagadh Gram Panchayat under Devprayag assembly constituency has once again upheld its unique tradition of electing its village head unopposed. This marks the second time that the Panchayat—comprising Radagadh, Gwadh, and Tola villages—has successfully avoided electoral rivalry, opting instead for mutual consensus and brotherhood.
Shobha Devi Negi from Gwadh village has been unanimously elected as the new Gram Pradhan, while Rajeshwari Devi Bartwal from Tola village was chosen as the Deputy Pradhan. Additionally, all seven ward members were also selected through consensus, avoiding any contest.
This rare and commendable initiative traces back to a decision made after the 2013 protest for road connectivity. At the time, the villagers collectively agreed that each panchayat term would see a rotation of the Pradhan seat among the three villages, and the selection would be unopposed. That promise has now been fulfilled for the second consecutive time.
It was also clarified in the village meeting that had the seat been reserved for a male candidate, Shobha Devi’s husband, Vikram Singh Negi, would have been nominated as per the rotational policy.
The Tola-Gwadh-Radagadh Vikas Manch, former area panchayat member Karn Singh Bartwal, and platform president Dr. Virendra Singh Bartwal lauded this initiative, stating that unopposed elections reduce conflict, save resources, and foster lasting unity. They also urged other Panchayats to consider adopting this model.
Newly elected Pradhan Shobha Devi pledged to work with full dedication for the all-round development of the Panchayat. The peaceful and unanimous process has now become a beacon of democratic awareness and progressive thinking in the region.
