He added that it would be interesting to analyse how women bring about a balance between their household activities and their new-found political responsibilities. “A larger representation to women in the grassroot democratic institutions was long overdue as women played a major role in the movement for the creation of Uttarakhand. In the existing social chemistry of rural Uttarakhand, the women will be the actual rulers for the first time,” he added.

Interestingly, a large number of political bigwigs successfully fielded their spouses in these elections. These women are strong contenders for the top posts in zila panchayats. For example, Opposition leader Harak Singh Rawat’s wife Deepti Rawat won from Dwaikhal Block in Pauri; former Congress minister Shoorvir Sajwan’s wife Ambika Sajwan won from Hindoli Khal block of Tehri; sitting BJP legislator Munna Singh Chauhan’s wife won from Kalsi block in Dehradun; and Samajwadi Party national general secretary Vinod Barthwal’s wife Abha won from Raipur block in Dehradun. State Sports Minister Rajinder Singh Bhandari’s wife Rajni Bhandari also emerged victorious from Salna Block in Chamoli district.

Another positive aspect of the panchayat elections was the largescale participation of locals, with a voter turnout of over 70 per cent. In some villages which had not more than 20 households, there were about seven candidates.