In poll season, candidates often use hyperbole. But, villagers in Odisha’s Sundargarh district chose not to be swayed by their tall promises, instead they asked candidates to appear for written tests to win their trust.
Eight out of the nine candidates vying for the sarpanch post in Kutra panchayat had no option but to write answers to the seven questions posed by the people of Malupada, a tribal-dominated village. Candidates also took oral tests.
The questions asked were — What are the five primary objectives of contesting elections? If elected sarpanch, what would be the goals for the next five years? If you entered politics for social service, name five of your earlier social works; Will you solve the problems of people after winning election? How would your dream panchayat be? What is the population and number of wards in the panchayat? Who are the sarpanches who held office previously?
