Bhopal: The State Election Commission has put-off election for five local bodies within twenty four hours of its announcement after Urban Administration and Development department (UADD) objected to the reservation roster provided by the collectors of the districts.
Political analysts say that these elections have been put on hold in view of upcoming assembly elections. The results of these local body elections would have an impact in the assembly polls too that are due in November. Congress too has objected to this decision and called it undemocratic.
On the other hand, questions are also being raised on poll preparations made by the state election commission. “It is a general practice that a report on preparedness is sought from collectors before announcing the local elections. Reservation roster is one of the most important factors in elections preparedness, how can it be overlooked is surprising,” said a senior official from state government.
State election commission had announced elections for Nagar palika parishad Anuppur, Nagar parishad Sanchi (Raisen), Narwar (Shivpuri), Bhainsdehi (Betul) and Churhat (Rewa) on July 9. The voting was scheduled on August 3 and counting on August 7.
Just a day after announcement of election, UADD shot a letter to collectors of Raisen and Shivpuri highlighting the mistakes they made in following reservation roster. It shot another letter to election commission informing that collectors of the concerning districts haven’t notified the reservation of wards in state gazette.
The speed of the letters written, their delivery and response is lauded by all. Congress state president Kamal Nath said that the government wants to appoint administrators in these bodies fearing loss in elections. He added that gazette publication is responsibility of the government and if the collectors are responsible for the error then strict action should be taken against them.
