The government has now started preparations for the municipal elections that have been hanging continuously. The process of delimitation in the bodies has been completed, while by mid-October, there is a plan to complete the work related to OBC (Other Backward Class) reservation and revision of voter lists in 11 bodies. After this, preparations are on to hold elections in 102 out of 105 municipal bodies in the state in mid-November. Efforts are on for this. Elections are not held in three bodies.
Cases related to municipal elections are pending in the High Court
When the situation for elections could not be created after the tenure of the municipal bodies ended on December 2 last year, they were handed over to administrators for six months. When elections were not held even during this period, the tenure of administrators was extended by three months. On August 30, the government had extended the tenure of administrators till the formation of a new board. Cases related to municipal elections are also pending in the High Court. Earlier, the government had told the court that elections will be held by October 25, but at present it does not seem possible. The reason is that the matter related to determination of OBC reservation in the bodies is handed over to the Select Committee of the Assembly. The committee has to submit its report by September 23. Meanwhile, with the upgradation of two municipalities into municipal corporations, delimitation was done again in eight other bodies including Municipal Corporation Dehradun. This has been completed.
Time till October 16 fixed for special revision of lists
The State Election Commission has fixed time till October 16 for special revision of voter lists in these 11 bodies. Till then, after receiving the report related to OBC reservation from the Select Committee, efforts are going on to determine it in the bodies. In view of all these circumstances, the government also wants that the body elections should be held as soon as possible. This demand is being raised from the public as well as from the parties. In view of this, efforts are being started to conduct the body elections by mid-November. Sources said that in this regard, instructions have been given to the officials that whatever process is remaining should be completed before mid-October.
