BHOPAL: Lalita Rajput, wife of former dreaded dacoit of the Chambal ravines Malkhan Singh, has been elected sarpanch unopposed by villagers in Guna district of Madhya Pradesh.
Lalita, who is in her mid-30s, had filed her nomination papers for the sarpanch post in Singayai panchayat of Aaron, around 40km from Guna district headquarters and 160km north of Bhopal.
Lalita thanked villagers for unanimously electing her and said: “I want to develop my village. There is no light or road or sewerage. Since the villagers have elected me unopposed, it is my responsibility to develop facilities for them.”
All the panchs in Singayai gram panchayat are women. This inspired Lalita to go for the sarpanch post. Nari Shakti is very powerful, she told local mediapersons.
Malkhan Singh called his wife’s unchallenged win “janta ki awaaz (people’s voice)”. Asked what he expects from her as sarpanch: “For years, there was no development in Singayai. Sarpanchs came and went. I wish the entire village will be lighted. There will be proper roads, bridges, handpumps and water. Whatever development is needed, she will do. And there will be no corruption.”
