The Hindu 02.08.2013
Agitation in Seemandhra region casts a shadow on municipal polls
With violent protests breaking out in Andhra and Rayalaseema districts against the decision to bifurcate the State, uncertainty prevails over the proposed elections to municipalities.
Though Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy had announced that the government was determined to hold elections to municipalities after the panchayat elections, in the changed scenario with a disturbed law and order situation, doubts are being raised about the feasibility of holding elections at this juncture.
Sources in the government said the Municipal Administration department had completed the survey to determine the BC population and the process of reservation of municipalities and wards sent to the government for approval.
The State Election Commission called for a meeting on August 2 to assess the preparedness of the MA & UD department. It will take a call on the schedule of elections to urban civic bodies, sources added.
The government, which has been putting off municipal elections for over two years, had submitted an affidavit to the High Court that it would complete the elections by September 3. Unlike the three-phase panchayat elections- the last phase was held on Wednesday- municipal elections would be held on the basis of political party symbols and thus would give a fair idea of the grass root network of different political parties.
Sources said that though the plan was to hold municipal elections within three weeks after the panchayat elections, in the wake of the emotionally surcharged situation prevailing in Seemandhra, the political parties, particularly the Congress party, is wary of the backlash of people’s anger over the decision to bifurcate the State with Hyderabad as common capital for 10 years, they added.
For the same reason, it is however expected to reap the benefits in Telangana region. But if elections are to be held, they should be held across the State including Seemandhra. “It is for the State Election Commission to assess the situation and issue notification. On our part, we have completed the list of reservations and it has to be approved by the Chief Minister,” sources said.
However, sources said that if the present situation and ongoing agitation is not amenable to holding elections, then the government will have to submit an affidavit to the High Court explaining the reasons for more time. It is expected that the government may decide to go for elections after the process of formation of the Telangana State is completed, which is at least four to five months away.
