For the ignorant lot aspiring for re-election to the Urban local Bodies (UlBs) and Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), the State Election Commission is just likely to spoil their dreams by disqualifying them for not submitting their expenditure details. The commission toughened its stand on Tuesday in the backdrop of repeated snub to the notices sent to candidates who contested previous elections including the elected representatives.
The commission once again issued reminders to district administrations and candidates for submitting details of expenditure incurred for contesting elections to the UlBs and PRIs on Tuesday. “It is in the interest of those who have not complied with the notices to submit expenditure details otherwise we will take actions. We will disqualify them (for failing to submit details),” said State Election Commissioner, Shiv Basant.
The disqualification could be for three years and the list of those who face the threat of getting disqualified include elected as well as unelected candidates of district council and UlBs. Candidates who failed to comply with the rule at lowest level may get a lease of life and are likely to be allowed to contest elections. Notably, 1,286 candidates at district council level, 3,528 candidates at the panchayat samiti level and 787 candidates of municipal elections have been asked to submit their details in next 20-days to keep their chances of contesting elections afloat.
“Possibly we will not take actions against candidates at the lowest level but it is at our discretion,” added Basant. The decision would affect candidates aspiring to contest at panchayat level and probably also the eight urban local bodies scheduled to go to elections in May-June, 2015. Panchayat elections are likely to be conducted in the latter half of 2015. The SEC had repeatedly issued notices to Returning Officers, Deputy Commissioners and candidates to furnish details of expenditure to ascertain use of inducements in elections but the exercise is still under progress as the State is moving towards elections to UlBs and panchayats.
Meanwhile, draft of delimitation of panchayats and the UlBs has been published in all districts and the commission has invited objections to the report till January 12. The objections received will be examined by the SEC before redrawing the maps of panchayat and announcing schedules for elections. The entire process of delimitation will be complete by mid of February and the number of wards at municipal and panchayat is likely to jump in the backdrop of the 25 per cent jump in the population since 2001.