Sunday, February 9, 2025
spot_img

VPP dubs shelving of ADC polls as MDA’s fear of losing

Date:

Share post:

spot_img
spot_img

SHILLONG, Sep 8: The state government’s recent decision to extend the terms of the KHADC and the JHADC has drawn severe criticism from the opposition Voice of the People Party (VPP) which accused the former of misusing its power to delay the district council polls owing to their fear of losing out to the VPP.
“The decision of the government to extend the terms of the councils is just an excuse. There is no merit in going for a second expansion,” VPP supremo Ardent M Basaiawmoit said on Sunday.
Refusing to accept the reasons cited by the state government for the extension of the terms of the two councils, Basaiawmoit said, “This is a sheer case of misuse of power by the state government in order to avoid the election at this juncture because they fear facing the VPP in the elections.”
The elections to the two district councils will now be held by March 5, 2025.
Earlier, Governor CH Vijayashankar had approved both the KHADC (Constitution of District Council) (Amendment) Rules, 2024, and the JHADC (Constitution of District Council) Amendment Bill, 2024, paving the way for the delimitation of constituencies ahead of the upcoming polls.
According to sources, the District Council Affairs (DCA) department forwarded the amendment rules to the Governor after obtaining inputs from the Law department, and issued an order extending the terms of the councils by another six months.
The government had defended its decision to extend the terms of the two district councils and dismissed the speculation that it was avoiding elections.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, who is also the DCA Minister, had clarified that the extension was necessary due to the lengthy processes involved in preparing for the elections.
Citing the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, he pointed out that the rules allow the Governor to extend the term of the district councils by up to 12 months if the situation so demands.
The terms of both KHADC and JHADC were extended earlier this year by six months and have now been extended by another six months.
Tynsong said notifying the appendix of the rules alone would take about a month and a half, as it must include a list of villages where changes have occurred.
Regarding electronic voting machines (EVMs), he said the central government has authorised only one public sector undertaking to manufacture EVMs and the company has been requested to come to Shillong to inspect the old EVMs.
Tynsong further defended the extension stating that the state government must allow the district councils to access data from the electoral rolls published by the Election Commission of India. He added that the revision process would take no less than three and a half months before the final roll is published.

spot_img
spot_img

Related articles

12 Maoists killed in encounter in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur

Bijapur (Chhattisgarh), Feb 9 :As many as 12 Maoists were killed in a major encounter with security forces...

3 killed, 10 injured as truck carrying pilgrims to Maha Kumbh collides with SUV in MP

Satna, Feb 9 : At least three pilgrims were killed and 10 others injured after a mini truck...

Agriculture sector growth stronger, steadier than UPA’s volatile years: BJP factsheet

New Delhi, Feb 9:In a sharp riposte to the Congress Party's criticism over the performance of the agriculture...

Delhi L-G dissolves seventh Legislative Assembly

New Delhi, Feb 9 : Delhi Lieutenant Governor (L-G) V. K. Saxena has announced the dissolution of the...