Bihar Panch, Sarpanch Gain MLC Voting Rights

In Bihar, India, the Panch and Sarpanch, who are members and heads of village courts, have been given the right to vote in elections for the Bihar Legislative Council.

Before this change, only village heads, ward members, and other Panchayat representatives could vote in these elections.

The Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj clarified that under the Constitution and the Representation of the People Act, Gram Panchayats are considered local bodies, making all their elected representatives eligible to vote.

This decision adds thousands of new voters to the list, which will change how the MLC elections work.

It also makes the role of these representatives more important in local governance and strengthens democracy at the village level.