The Pioneer 30.04.2013
Mayoral polls in Ranchi likely by June
SEC sources said the commission would direct the district administration to address discrepancies in the electoral rolls before that. SEC had received complaints of many discrepancies, during the elections on April 8.
The earlier mayoral election was rescinded on April 20 by Governor Syed Ahmed on recommendation of the commission following recovery of cash a day before Ranchi went to polls. About Rs 22 lakh had been seized from a hotel in the State capital on April 7. An FIR was registered against three persons, including Rama Khalkho.
Rescinding of mayoral elections on grounds of misuse of money is said to be a first-of-its-kind action in the country, where Jharkhand has shown the way to uphold the sanctity of elections to the urban body. Earlier, the Election Commission of India had also rescinded the Rajya Sabha elections in Jharkhand in 2012 following recovery of cash.
A senior official pointed out that the SEC had made recommendations on authority granted to it under various provisions of the Constitution, supported by several high court and Supreme Court judgements.
The official pointed out that the SEC has also taken cognisance of lack of amenities at the polling stations during the April 8 elections and has sought reports on alleged mismanagement from the district administration.
According to sources, the SEC has decided to take up the matter to avoid inconvenience to polling officials in the next mayoral election. “The commission is likely to work out the number of polling stations for mayoral election afresh and may reduce the number,” said a source.
Meanwhile, results of the councillors’ elections for the six wards of RMC will be announced on May 2. Deputy Mayor of RMC will be elected on May 9, in the first meeting of the board of the corporation.
