Local bodies’ elections may be delayed, says SEC

State election commissioner (SEC) SK Agarwal indicated that the local bodies’ elections in UP may be delayed due to pending work of reservation of seats. He said 10 more days had been provided for update of voters’ list, which would now be published on June 5.

Expressing concern over law and order situation, he called for strict, speedy and effective action against criminals in Agra and Aligarh divisions so that polls could be held in a free, fair and peaceful manner.

Agarwal was in Agra on Monday to interact with administration and police officials from eight districts of Agra and Aligarh divisions. He was accompanied by ADG (law and order) Aditya Mishra.

“The reservation of seats remains to be done and this is may delay the local bodies’ election in UP,” stated Agarwal.

“It is not the law and order situation, but the delay in ascertaining reservation which might be the reason for shifting local bodies’ election to the latter part of the year,” he added.

The SEC advocated strict check on liquor being smuggled from Haryana to UP and asked for measures on total prohibition on sale of liquor 48 hours before the election.

“Police officials have been asked to ensure effective action against dreaded criminals under provision of Goonda Act, Gangster Act and even NSA,” stated Agarwal who also stressed on effective action in matters related to communal and castebased confrontations,” he said. He suggested that forces deployed to counter tension use protective equipment including helmets.

It is not the law and order situation, but the delay in ascertaining reservation which might be the reason for shifting local bodies’ election to the latter part of the year SK AGARWAL, State election commissioner