The State Election Commission on Thursday announced that elections to 145 Panchayat Samitis and 22 Zila Parishads in Punjab would be held on May 19. This is a week later than the earlier date.
The decision was taken by State Election Commissioner S.S. Brar, after a meeting with Additional Deputy Commissioners (Development) –cum- Additional District Electoral Officers in the State to ascertain the ground realities.
The Commission said that information was received in the Commission that in some of the districts, delay is occurring in the publication of reserved seats and general seats. This matter was being looked into by the Commission.
Earlier, President of Punjab Congress Partap Singh Bajwa met State Election Commissioner stating that since there has been some delay in publishing the lists of seats meant for reserved and general categories, the notification scheduled to be issued on 26th April should not be issued.
It was represented that some more time be given to the political parties to prepare themselves for these polls.
Along similar lines a request was also received by State Election Commissioner from the State Government wherein on account of the same reasons, it was requested that some more time be accorded.
Brar said that keeping in view the discussions held in the meeting and the fact that there was a few days delay in publishing the reserve and general seats and the request of the contesting parties.
It was decided that the poll may be re-scheduled by a week.