UP Plans Direct Polls for ZP Chief, Block Pramukh Posts

The Uttar Pradesh government is preparing to overhaul the state's rural electoral system by introducing direct elections for zila panchayat chairman and block pramukhs from 2026, replacing the current indirect voting method.

- HT Correspondent

LUCKNOW: A formal proposal for the constitutional amendment required is set to be sent to the Centre soon.

Panchayati Raj minister Om Prakash Rajbhar, who is also the chief of Suheldev Bhartiya Samaj Party (SBSP), an ally of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), said the move is being planned for the upcoming three-tier panchayat elections expected in May 2026.

"The proposal for direct elections will soon be submitted to the central government. It has been discussed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union home minister Amit Shah and chief minister Yogi Adityanath, and all have given their approval," Rajbhar said.

Currently, zila panchayat chairman and block pramukhs are elected indirectly. Voters elect zila panchayat and block development committee (BDC) members, who in turn elect the chairman and pramukhs. The state has 75 zila panchayats and 825 blocks, according to Rajbhar.

The present system has repeatedly drawn criticism for being vulnerable to manipulation. "There have been instances where candidates kidnapped members to secure votes or used pressure to block rival nominations," he claimed.