Govt responsible for delay in ZP, TP elections: State Election Commission

Government delaying reservation list for over a year; SEC says elections can be held within 1.5 months if list is provided. Seeks Governor’s intervention over curtailed powers.

Team Udayavani, Jan 8, 2025, 10:43 AM IST

The crucial pillars of decentralized governance, the Zilla Panchayat (ZP) and Taluk Panchayat (TP), have gone without general elections in Karnataka for four years. Over 3 crore rural voters and more than 4,800 local representatives have been deprived of the opportunity to participate in democratic governance.

Without elected representatives, the rural administration and development have been stagnant for four years. Reservation issues, constituency delimitation disputes, legal amendments, curtailment of election commission powers, and ongoing court cases have collectively delayed elections. While the government claims readiness to hold polls, pending litigation remains a hurdle.

In this context, Karnataka State Election Commissioner G.S. Sangreshi spoke exclusively to Udayavani, shedding light on the challenges.

Is the Election Commission unprepared for ZP, TP elections as the government claims?

“Who said the Commission is unprepared? Conducting elections is our duty. The fact is, the government is directly responsible for the delay. The reservation list has not been provided. For over a year, the government has been stalling. If the list is given, we can conduct elections by April-May,” said Sangreshi.

The CM stated that court cases are the reason for the delay. Is that true?

“The claim that the Commission is responsible for the delay is false. The CM recently stated that litigation is the cause, but the real issue is the government’s failure to provide the reservation list. This compelled the Commission to approach the court. If the list had been provided on time, these delays wouldn’t have occurred. The government’s inaction has derailed the process,” Sangreshi clarified.

Why has the SEC filed a contempt case against the government?

“The reservation list and constituency delimitation are with the government. While delimitation is reportedly complete, reservations are still pending. In December 2023, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department assured the High Court that the list would be provided within 15 days.

When the government failed to honor this, we filed a contempt case in June 2024. Despite five months passing since, the government continues to make empty promises. The High Court’s orders have not been followed. The matter will be heard on January 29, and we are addressing this seriously through legal representation,” Sangreshi said.

What are the consequences of further delays in elections?

“If elections aren’t held as scheduled every five years, central grants to rural areas will be halted, hampering development. Decentralized governance will give way to centralized control, with bureaucrats replacing elected representatives. Moreover, young leaders will miss out on opportunities for political and social leadership. This undermines the very objectives of decentralization, constitutional amendments, and Panchayat formation,” he warned.

Is the Commission ready to conduct elections by April-May?

“The government must provide the reservation list. The Commission will evaluate the situation, including academic activities, exams, heat, rains, and other natural factors, before scheduling the elections. Once the list is provided, we can take over the process,” said Sangreshi.

What is the EC’s response to curtailed powers?

“From 2005 to 2015, the Commission handled reservation and constituency delimitation. However, these powers have now been withdrawn. While other constitutional powers remain intact, we have written to the Governor, requesting the restoration of these powers.

The Governor has also been apprised of the Commission’s concerns. He has instructed the government to facilitate the elections and review the matter of returning powers to the Commission,” he added.

Are election preparations underway?

“All necessary preparations for ZP and TP elections are in place. Regular meetings are being conducted. It is said that the reservation list is with the Rural Development Department Minister. I urge them to expedite its release because the election process can only begin 1.5 months after the list is received,” Sangreshi concluded.

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