May 28: The Karnataka State Election Commission on Thursday announced postponement of gram panchayat polls citing the COVID-19 pandemic.
Out of 6,025 gram panchayats, the tenure of 5,800 gram panchayats will end by June-August 2020.
"After examining the feasibility of conducting general elections to gram panchayats, the State Election Commission, considering the current situation as exceptional circumstance, has decided to temporarily postpone the general elections to the gram panchayats," the SEC said in a release.
It said after examining the situation in the days to come, the decision will be taken on holding the general elections to the gram panchayats.
The CEC also states that report by Deputy Commissioners of districts on holding the elections was verified and it has been found that district administrations are involved in COVID-19 related work and there will be shortage of staff and transport facilities for the elections. Besides, there would be a problem in maintaining law and order.
Last week through a letter to Deputy Commissioners of districts, the commission had sought opinion on holding panchayat polls amid the COVID-19 crisis. It had also pointed out that electoral roll needs to be prepared and reservations had to be allocated as per the new amendments.
Stating that the state election commission's decision to postpone gram panchayat elections was against the provisions of the Karnataka Panchayat Raj Act 1993, the Leader of Opposition Siddaramaiah said the Congress will question this "undemocratic act" in the court of law.
He accused the commission of playing to the BJP's tune and said the congress will protest the decision at gram panchayat level.
Opposition parties in the state, especially congress, have been demanding elections.
The government was in favour of postponement of polls and wants to have administrative committees to govern the panchayats, until the polls are held, according to government sources.
The Congress, raising apprehension about administrative committees, has accused the government of conspiring to have ruling BJP workers as its members.
A congress delegation had last week submitted a petition to State Election Commissioner B Basavaraju and urged the Commission to hold elections.
The congress had even suggested continuation of sitting panchayat members until the polls are held, instead of appointing administrative committees.
Comments
what your forefather done, slave of british or licking british boot... muslims fought hard for this country
did your father borns to godse...then you are najaaes aulad!!!
Your father was traitor...who is licking british boot from long time... as i told you last time 80% dog is nothing in front of 15% lion in forest.. i hope you got my point
what is the contribution of HEGDE community to Karnataka .!!!!
People who have not done anything for Mysore or Karnataka, Just Spread Lies, Hatred,and follow the Britishers policy of DIVIDE AND RULE.
JAI HIND , JAI KARNATAKA
Send these rss chaddidaars behind bar for atleast 12 months period. All will leave peace fully.
Tipu was the only one King who fought till his last breathe against british. He was a big treat to British invader which Is still rememered by the Brishers and written in British history. In his kingdom he respected all religion and their worship place. His administration was with all religions. He never spared any single british supporters in some part of MYSORE greedy people supported the Britisher's to enter our Country and cheated the great king. Fact's are trying to erase from the real history and nothing else. But facts never hidden at any cost by any one. Jai Hind Jai Karnataka! Long Live United India
What did Tipu do in India?? Looted all money, attacked many Hindus and Hindu temple and still court supporting people who stands for tipu
There were many deregatory comments against Godse. Why court not taking action against that.
Total injustice. Tipu was a traitor.
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