Cong questions TS for flouting SEC directives

Congress leader G. Niranjan on Wednes-day questioned why Telangana state government is not following directives of State Election Commission (SEC).

In this regard, he referred to SEC reportedly expressing its anguish in a letter addressed to the principal secretary, municipal department, on January 25 – National Voters Day.

Niranjan reminded that the Election Commission had communicated in the letter its targeted dates for holding elections to the municipal corporations in Warangal and Khammam and six municipalities before expiry of their term, as mandated under the Constitution. He pointed out that the SEC had also advised state government to complete delimitation of wards by January 15 and publish ward-wise electoral rolls by January 31.

In addition, the commission asked the government to finalise reservations by February 10, so that it could conduct elections in the first week of March.

“The State Election Commissioner has expressed its displeasure with the state government for not completing delimitation of wards as per targeted date. Hence, the commission is unable to prepare and publish the ward-wise electoral rolls. Because of this, the entire election process is going to be delayed,” the Congress leader pointed out.

He further stated that the tone and tenor of SEC’s letter indicates that the state government is not extending its cooperation to the election commission in holding municipal elections on time, following the footsteps of AP government.

“Why is the state government, which hastily organised GHMC elections, is hesitating to face municipal elections on time? We request the state election commissioner to approach the High Court, if the state government does not cooperate in organising timely polls,” he added.