Dead man elected Panchayat President

Thanjavur, Oct 19 (UNI) A piquant situation has arisen in Manambadi village panchayat in Kumbakonam district of Tamil Nadu with a dead man being elected panchayat President.

Francis, contesting for the post on behalf of the DMK, passed away on October 9 while campaigning. With there being no provision for countermanding a panchayat poll, voting was held as per schedule on October 13.

When the votes were counted, it transpired that the dead man secured 505 votes, which was the highest.

The authorities are busy determining what has to be done now - whether the second placed person should be made President or a repoll has to be held.

UNI XR AA AA SAM RN1905