Guv for recall of erring local leaders, qualification must to contest polls

Governor ESL Narasimhan today exhorted the Election Commissioners to conduct meaningful debate to resolve the problems related to local bodies’ elections. The Governor vouched for conducting elections for Parliament, Assembly and local bodies in a transparent manner, which is key to democracy. He also asked the State election commissioners to avoid complaints of removal of the names of the electors through using same and uniform voter list.

The Governor was addressing the 24thAll India Conference of State Election Commissioners here. He advised the election commissioners to examine to recall leaders elected to local bodies and see that those contesting the polls should have some educational qualification and clean history. He also opined that by-elections should not be conducted more than twice as repeated elections will hamper development which was evident in Chattisgarh.

Narasimhan emphasized the need for focusing on field level problems during the local bodies’ elections. He said the Election Commission has already started using new technology and modern methods and the State election commissioners should adopt them besides creating awareness among the people for full turnout to participate in the electioneering process. He wanted a pilot project for publicity through media to avoid three weeks in advance the leaders to campaign and also check irregularities and flow of money. The people will elect the governments that will work to fulfill their aspirations, he noted. The Governor observed that there are problems to conduct the local bodies’ elections wherein local level officials and staff play a key role. He sought stringent measures against wrong complaints during the elections.

Speaking on the occasion, Chief Election Commissioner Achatkumar Jyothi said various measures were being taken for smooth and peaceful conduct of elections at all levels using technology, webcasting, CC cameras, social media and observers.

Chief Secretary Rajiv Sharma said the new State of Telangana was facing many challenges and making reforms for development and increasing the number of districts to 31 from 10 for smooth governance and speedy services. “We have succeeded in our efforts to conduct elections for local bodies though problems exist”, he added. (NSS)