New Delhi, July 29 -- Summary
Gathaman village in Banaskantha district hasn't held a panchayat election since 1955
Hindu and Muslim communities alternate leadership roles through mutual agreement
Despite no government grant under the Samras Yojana, the tradition continues
The 2025 Sarpanch, Raufaben Imran Patel, was unanimously selected
Grant blocked due to a reserved seat for ST despite no ST residents in the village
In June 2025, Gujarat held elections in 4,564 Gram Panchayats. Of these, 761 were declared Samras - villages where leaders are elected unopposed by consensus. These villages qualify for financial grants under the state's Samras Gram Yojana, a policy that began under Narendra Modi's tenure as Chief Minister.
Yet, long ...