Govt again dillydallies on BBMP election

Govt again dillydallies on BBMP election
Bangalore, Mar 2, DHNS:

Even after being pushed to the wall by the judiciary on the elections to the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the State government is exploring the possibility of seeking more time to conduct the polls.

Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa remained closetted with several BJP MLAs from the City, party national general secretary Ananth Kumar and Bangalore in-charge ministers R Ashok and Katta Subramanya Naidu on Tuesday to discuss whether there was any legal option available to seek more time to conduct the elections.

Advocate General Ashok Haranahalli was also summoned to the meeting held at CM’s Chambers in the Vidhana Soudha. The meeting remained inconclusive and the leaders will hold another round of talks on Wednesday, sources said.

A few legislators expressed apprehension that the ruling party may not get a majority in the BBMP Council if the polls were held immediately. A suggestion was also made that the courts may agree to give more time to conduct the polls if the State Election Commission files a petition to that effect.

However, legal experts also brought to the notice the implication of contempt proceeding against the government if elections are not held before March 30.

The ongoing state legislature session would be cut short if the elections to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagar Palike are held by March 30. In that case, only a vote on account will be introduced in the Assembly, sources said.

The State Election Commission (SEC) may just have to move a contempt of court petition in the high court against the government if the latter does not comply with the court directions to submit the ward reservation list for the Palike elections in the next 24 hours.
However, the SEC is reluctant to consider the move and is awaiting a response on the notification on the reservation of wards. The government was given two days’ time on Monday to release the final notification.

SEC sources said the commission will have no other choice but to move a contempt petition as the government has still not released the notification.
“It will take 26 days for the SEC to finalise the election process, including selecting poll booths, appointing officials and arranging other requirements, if we are to comply with the High Court ruling,” sources said.