Uttarakhand, Aug.01,2025: Polling in two phases (July 24 & 28) recorded a robust 69.16% turnout, with 32,580 candidates contesting for over 10,915 posts across 12 districts
A Historic Upset
Uttarakhand Panchayat Election 2025 proved to be a watershed moment. The BJP lost several strongholds, including Badrinath—and the shock defeat of sitting MLA Mahendra Bhatt’s base. Equally stunning was the loss of Pauri‑Lansdowne MLA Mahant Dilip Rawat’s wife Nitu Rawat to Congress’s Jyoti Patwal. These results signal deep shifts in rural political sentiment.
Voter Turnout & Candidate Stats
Polling in two phases (July 24 & 28) recorded a robust 69.16% turnout, with 32,580 candidates contesting for over 10,915 posts across 12 districts (Haridwar exempted).
So far results have been declared for 358 Zila Panchayat seats, including:
- Congress: 76
- BJP: 58
- Independents: 61
At Panchayat and Block levels, hundreds of seats are still being counted but early trends are clear—traditional parties were upended.
BJP Strongholds Collapse
- In Badrinath, considered Mahendra Bhatt’s political fortress, BJP suffered a crushing defeat.
- In Lansdowne (Pauri), Nitu Rawat lost decisively to Congress’s Jyoti Patwal—marking a major upset.
- In Almora’s Bhaisiyachhana block, BJP SC Morcha leader Santosh Kumar Ram and his wife Pooja Devi both lost leading to local shock.
Congress Gains and Youth Surge
Congress captured significant ground, especially in Dehradun, Pauri, and Nainital, pulling back much rural support. The success of Priyanka Negi and Sakshi (21‑ and 22‑year‑olds) indicates a rising trend of youth leadership in Gram Panchayats.
Independent Wave Sweeps the State
Across districts, independent candidates made an unexpected splash:
- Chamoli: Out of 26 seats, only 4 won by BJP, 5 by Congress—and independent candidates claimed 17 seats, revealing dramatic voter disillusionment with mainstream parties.
- In Almora, no party gained majority: Congress 21, BJP 19, Independents 5—leading to coalition talks at district level.
Highlights from Key Districts
Dehradun
Out of 30 Zila Panchayat seats: BJP won 13, Congress 7, Independents 10. Several prominent BJP names lost including sitting leaders Chait Singh and Nitu Rawat.
Pauri‑Garhwal (Pauri)
Total 38 seats: BJP 18, Congress 16, Independents 4. Yet many big-ticket BJP contenders were defeated—underscoring weakening grassroots support.
Chamoli
Dominated by Independents: out of 26 Zila seats, 17 won independently, while major sections saw coin‑toss decisions—like Nitin beating Ravindra after both got 138 votes.
Uttarkashi
Out of 28 seats, BJP won only 7. Congress‑backed and independent candidates captured 21 seats. Women won an impressive 15 out of 28 seats.
Women and Young Leaders Take Charge
Young winning candidates include:
- Isha, 22‑year‑old B.Tech‑educated leader, youth symbol of change in Munsyari.
- Priyanka Negi and Sakshi (21) in Dehradun and Rudraprayag entered politics and won with significant margins, reinforcing younger, educated leadership in rural spheres.
Incidentally, in Almora’s Dhauladevi block, a husband and wife duo won as Gram Pradhan and BDC member—highlighting continued influence of local political families but now including spousal collaboration.
Panchayat Chairpersons at Play
With no single party achieving dominance region‑wide, independent support becomes crucial for deciding District Panchayat Presidents—and possibly for Block level posts too. The bargaining stage is expected to be intense, with independent leaders leveraging their swing seats.
The Uttarakhand Panchayat Election 2025 results deliver a seismic political shift: BJP’s local base trembles, Congress regroups in rural areas, and independent candidates emerge as kingmakers. Youth and women voters have elevated new faces, suggesting a transformation in grassroots representation. As district leadership dice up, the story of Uttarakhand’s next political turn is just beginning.
