Shimla/Chopal: Several gram panchayats of Chopal development block in Shimla district have emerged as an inspiring example of how consensus can work better than contest and petty politics in grassroots democracy.
By electing representatives unanimously in the Panchayat elections, these villages have not only preserved social harmony but have also become eligible for a special development grant of ₹25 lakh each.
The list of elected Panchayat representatives was released by the Returning Officer-cum-BDO Chopal on May 26, 2026. The list reflects how many Panchayats preferred consensus and collective decision-making over bitter election contests.
Among the Panchayats that adopted the consensus model are:
Bata Panchayat — Bijender Singh elected Pradhan and Ajay Kumar as Up-Pradhan.
Baanju Chopal Panchayat — Surekha elected Pradhan and Vikrant as Up-Pradhan.
Jhina Panchayat — Nema Devi elected Pradhan and Sunil as Up-Pradhan.
Kyari Panchayat — Rama Devi elected Pradhan while several ward members were elected unopposed.
Lingzar Panchayat — Parasi Shama elected Pradhan and Jagdish as Up-Pradhan.
Mundli Panchayat — Chandan Singh elected Pradhan and Ramya Chand elected Up-Pradhan unopposed.
Naghar Panchayat — Rama Devi elected Pradhan and Pankaj as Up-Pradhan.
Paliya Panchayat — Kuldeep Rangar elected Pradhan and Akram as Up-Pradhan.
Padiya Panchayat — Tara Devi elected Pradhan and Sujal Ranauta as Up-Pradhan.
Sari Panchayat — Jagat Ram elected Pradhan and Ishan as Up-Pradhan.
Tikkari Panchayat — Atma Ram elected Pradhan while several ward members were chosen unanimously.
Several other Panchayats also witnessed unopposed elections for ward members and key posts, reflecting a growing desire among villagers to avoid political bitterness and focus on development.
Under the government incentive scheme, such Panchayats will receive a ₹25 lakh special grant for village development works including roads, drinking water facilities, sanitation, community infrastructure and sports facilities.
Locals say Panchayat elections often divide villages and strain relationships for years, but this time many communities in Chopal sent out a strong message that development matters more than factional politics.
Residents and social activists are now urging Panchayats in Nerwa, Kupvi and the rest of Shimla district, as well as across Himachal Pradesh, to draw inspiration from Chopal’s example.
They believe that if villages choose consensus and collective leadership, public energy and resources can be channelled into development rather than unnecessary political battles.
The Chopal model has shown that when villages stay united, democracy becomes stronger, governance smoother and development faster.
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