Local body election can be held in November, Govt tells court

KOCHI:  Local self-governing polls based on renewed ward bifurcation can be held in November, the government has informed the court. The government also submitted that it would be difficult to hold polls as per the war division of 2010.    

The government clarified its stand while the court was hearing the argument on the appeal filed against Single bench order cancelling the ward division. 

“The ward division of 2010 is based on the 2001 census. But there has been proportionate change in population since then. And hence, allow the bifurcation of wards according to 2011 census. If the single bench order is stayed, the polls could be completed within 86 days,” informed the government. 

The government rejected in the court the State election Commissioner’s stand that six months are required to conduct the election. “The Commissioner’s argument is wrong. In 2010, 978 wards were divided in 68 days.  This time 204 wards are going to be divided and for this 51 days are sufficient,” the government said and assured the court that it would recruit 50 additional officers to complete the ward bifurcation early.  

Meanwhile, the Commission has reiterated the stand that it needs 6 months’ time to conduct the election.

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