“Arrest Them If They Resist”: Collector’s Remark Sparks Outrage Among Panchayat Candidates

A recent video showing agitated Panchayat candidates confronting Collector Priyank Kishor over the rejection of their nomination forms has gone viral. Candidates claimed they had submitted all necessary documents, yet their forms were rejected on vague grounds. The situation escalated when officials allegedly ordered arrests for those resisting, sparking widespread outrage and leading to a protest outside the Collectorate.

Silvassa:

Tension flared up outside the Silvassa Collectorate earlier this week after a group of Panchayat election candidates expressed their anger over the rejection of their nomination forms. The confrontation, captured in a video circulating on social media, shows candidates arguing with officials, claiming that their forms were rejected despite proper document submission.

The candidates alleged that they were denied fair consideration and accused the administration of bias and procedural irregularities. They stated that most of them had provided valid NOCs and other required paperwork, yet the forms were marked “improperly filled” or “invalid.”

During the heated exchange, Collector Priyank Kishor reportedly instructed staff to arrest and lock those who resist or create disruption, further fueling the anger of the assembled candidates and their supporters. The situation quickly escalated, leading to a spontaneous protest outside the Collectorate.

Eyewitnesses said that several individuals were briefly detained as tempers flared. The protesters demanded transparency in the nomination process and called for a review of all rejected applications.

Local political observers note that such disputes reflect growing dissatisfaction among independent and opposition-backed candidates in the lead-up to the Dadra and Nagar Haveli Panchayat elections.

The incident highlights the rising tension and mistrust surrounding the local election process in Silvassa. With protests already taking shape, authorities may soon need to address transparency concerns to restore public confidence in the electoral system.