By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The buzz about early polls in the State has been scotched by Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma, but adding that February and March should be spared for Budget preparations by the new ministry.
Talking to reporters here on Thursday about the move for early elections, the Chief Minister said, “There should be no election or any other activity during February and March to allow the Government to pass the full budget on time and review the performance of the government.”
Dr Sangma said that the Government should have worked well ahead of time so as to allow the Election Commission to complete entire pre-poll exercises like summary revision of electoral rolls.
According to Dr Sangma, the Election Commission would not be able to complete the summary revision of electoral rolls earlier and final draft roll would come out only in January.
Informed sources said that the Congress High Command is keen on holding polls in three NE states – Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura – along with Gujarat where elections are due in December.
Though the idea was generally acceptable to State Congress top brass, the statutory summary revision of electoral rolls can only be completed in January which has put a spanner on the move.
It only remains to be seen whether polls will now be called in early February to allow the new government enough time for budget preparations.
According to some observers, the Congress is trying to go for an early election to capitalize on the perceived ‘feel-good-factor’ prevailing in the State following the creation of four new districts and launching of various people-friendly schemes.
MPCC chief DD Lapang, had, earlier stated that that the Congress is organizationally ready for an early election should the Election Commission decide so.