Ajay Singhi Panel Sweeps All Five Trustee Seats; Bhavesh Baid Emerges as Top Vote-Getter
Published on: December 19, 2025
By: BTNI
Location: Rajnandgaon, India
The 2025 Trust Board elections of the Rajnandgaon Jain Shwetambar Murtipujak Sangh were conducted peacefully and in a well-organised, cordial atmosphere on Thursday. The election process witnessed enthusiastic participation from the community, reflecting strong faith in the democratic traditions of the Sangh.
Out of a total of 377 eligible voters, 345 members exercised their franchise, while two votes were declared invalid. The entire election process was conducted with transparency and discipline under the supervision of senior advocate and returning officer Bansilal Bardiya.
The results brought a clean sweep for the Ajay Singhi panel, with all five of its candidates securing victory by clear margins. From the initial rounds of counting, the Singhi panel maintained a steady lead that continued till the final round.
Prominent social worker, well-known devotional singer and BJP-affiliated youth leader Bhavesh Baid secured the highest number of votes at 280, emerging as the most popular candidate of the election. Chartered Accountant Ajay Singhi followed closely with 264 votes. Other winning candidates included Lalit Bhansali (251 votes), Jivanchand Baid (238 votes) and Roshan Golchha (229 votes).
Among the independent candidates, Manish Chhajed received 200 votes, while Rajesh Baid secured 87 votes and Nirmal Kothari managed 24 votes.
The contest for the fifth trustee position remained the most closely watched. A neck-to-neck battle unfolded between Manish Chhajed and Roshan Golchha in the early rounds. While Chhajed briefly took the lead in the first round, Golchha steadily gained momentum in subsequent rounds and built a decisive lead of 20 votes by the 11th round, eventually sealing his victory.
The counting process remained orderly, with round-wise results formally announced, earning appreciation from voters and community elders present at the venue. Senior members and prominent citizens of the Jain community attended in large numbers, adding to the dignified atmosphere.
Historically, the Sangh did not follow an electoral system prior to 2001. The first election was held that year, when Madan Chopra was elected president. Since then, democratic practices have continued uninterrupted, with elections generally conducted in a peaceful and harmonious manner.
The outgoing executive body led by former president Manoj Baid was credited with several significant contributions, including the construction of a new Jain Bhavan, regularisation of religious and cultural programmes at the temple, and strengthening of social initiatives. Notably, Manoj Baid and his entire panel did not contest this year’s elections. Former trustee Manish Chhajed, associated with the previous panel, contested independently but was defeated in a close contest.
Following the declaration of results, the newly elected Trust Board received warm congratulations from various sections of the community. Members expressed hope that the new leadership would continue to work actively for the promotion of Jain values, temple preservation, social service and organisational strengthening.
Also read- https://www.btnewsindia.com/rajnandgaons-maya-baghel-wins-gold-medal-in-senior-archery-brings-glory-to-chhattisgarh/ https://www.btnewsindia.com/teachers-are-change-makers-shaping-the-future-of-children-collector-jitendra-yadav/
