By Arun Pratap Singh
Garhwal Post Bureau
Nainital, 19 Aug: The Uttarakhand State Election Commission today finally declared the results of the Nainital Zila Panchayat President and Vice-President elections, held on 14th August. BJP candidate Deepa Darmwal emerged victorious for the President’s post by a narrow margin of 1 one vote, while Congress candidate Devki Bisht secured the Vice-President’s position, maintaining the party’s hold on the post.
It may be recalled that in view of the violence during the polling and in the wake of allegations and counter allegations, the results of the District Panchayat President and Vice President were withheld by the State Election Commission. Although the votes were counted on the day of polling, the results were not announced immediately. Instead, they were sealed in an envelope and secured in a double locker, amid heightened political tension and legal scrutiny.
The State Election Commission finally announced the outcome today, confirming Deepa Darmwal’s win with 11 votes against the Congress candidate’s 10, with 1 one vote declared invalid. The slender margin comes as a considerable relief to the BJP, which had been grappling with controversy and allegations surrounding the election process. The matter had even reached the Uttarakhand High Court, where hearings are still underway, leaving the legal status of the results pending further clarity.
Though the election was conducted under tight security, with the Collectorate and Treasury premises fortified and extensive police deployment in place, it was still marred by dramatic developments, including the ‘disappearance’ of five Zila Panchayat members on polling day amid allegations of kidnapping. Both BJP and Congress traded accusations of abduction, intensifying the political standoff.
Congress approached the High Court on the same day, prompting judicial intervention. The court issued specific directives to the Election Commission, which led to the delay in result declaration. The matter was heard again yesterday, during which the court raised serious concerns over the law & order situation and sought affidavits from the Nainital Senior Superintendent of Police and the District Magistrate.
Despite the legal uncertainties, the declaration of results marks a significant moment in the local political landscape, with BJP securing the top post and Congress retaining its influence through the Vice-President’s position. However, the final and a certain outcome of this election may be decided through legal proceedings. However , though now that the result has been declared, the High Court may accept the decision instead of ordering a fresh election according to legal experts.
