Synopsis: The draws for reserving wards in gram panchayats began on 13 October and continued till 16 October. Drawing of lots for block panchayat wards is set for 18 October, while district panchayat reservations will be finalised on 21 October.

Suspense and anticipation were high at the planning hall of Ernakulam Collectorate on Thursday, 16 October. Gram panchayat-level leaders from every political party have gathered at the hall, all wearing a grim look.

For many of those gathered, the proceedings at the hall could alter their political career, albeit briefly. As time ticked on, lots were drawn to determine the wards reserved for women, Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), or Other Backward Classes (OBCs) candidates.

It was like a roll of dice for many: inevitable, and un

See Full Page