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| Panchayat polls: coalition allies may 'want' to have it on non party basis | | | EARLY TIMES REPORT
Jammu, Nov 12: Notwithstanding the resolve of the government to hold Panchayat elections in the state at the earliest, for now these stand deferred. Interestingly and ironically both the coalition partners have been expressing willingness and eagerness to hold the polls as early as possible through repeated announcements but have been unable to happen it on ground. What is actually holding them back to announce a final schedule instead of pushing it ahead on almost quarterly basis.
Varied reasons have been put forh for the delay, non finalisation of electoral rolls being the apparent as projected by the government. From March this year to October, from October to December and now again to January, the electoral process has been pushed to next year, if at all the tentative schedule of CEO is to be believed. Non preparation of electoral rolls may be one valid reason the government is projecting for postponing it further but there are political reasons as well which are posing impediments in conduct of polls for empowering Panchayats and rural masses.
Soon after the government (Rural Development Minister Ali Mohammad Sagar) announced it early this month that polls will be held sometime in March-April next year, Congress sought All party meeting the issue which was held on November 8. While PDP did not attend the meeting, all other parties, inclduing BJP favoured early elections to the Panchayats. The Congress which is the major ally of the coalition even came forth with assertion on empowering the Panhayati Raj institutions at par with other parts of the country in context of 73rd amendment of the Indian constitution which is yet to be placed in the state legislature.
So far so good. The reliable sources have it to say that more than willingness for polls both the alliance partners are actually not fully prepared to face the elections in rural areas in their respective constituencies, be it in Kashmir or Jammu. Though both NC and Congress are making public postures as for their intentions to go for polls as early as possible they might buy some more time on one or the other pretext. Sources say if at all the polls were to be held sometime next year, beyond which coalition cannot afford to delay it further on account of the loss of hundreds of crores rupees annually due to non existent Panchayats, the coalition allies would like to happen it on non party basis.
Sources said that one of main suggestions which was thrust by the Congress leaders in the All Party meeting on November 8 was polls should be held on non Party basis. This was interestingly, not resisted or opposed by NC. The alliance partners, not sure about the success of their political ground and footing in rural areas, apparently do not want to take any risk that may cost or affect their credibility even in strong bastions. Though a final decision has not yet been taken on this aspect, sources said both the partners may eventually try to build consensus for holding the polls on non party basis. However, it remains to be seen how major opposition parties PDP and BJP or for that matter J&K Panthers Party will react and respond to this suggestion of holding the polls on non party basis.
While the Electoral authorities would put things on fast track as far the revision of electoral rolls is concerned, conduct of polls as per the tenative schedule will much depend also on the security environment prevailing at that time in the state.In the all party meeting Congress has also stressed on proper electoral revision in a transparent manner besides restricting the time frame of completing the entire electoral exercise within minimum possible period with a view to cause minimum halt to the routine working of the government and administration. This they have expressed has become imperative in view of the loss of working season and time due to disturbed situation in the valley. |
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