Kumar Bahukhandi
The decision of 50% reservation will change the picture of elections!
Raipur: Political stir has intensified regarding the urban body elections in Chhattisgarh. This time the state government has limited the reservation limit to 50%. It is believed that the election dates may be announced on December 20, immediately after which the code of conduct will come into force. At the same time, the final voter list will be published on December 11. This change in reservation in Chhattisgarh will affect not only the backward class but the entire political scenario.
Preparations for urban body and panchayat elections are in full swing in Chhattisgarh. The state government has decided to fix the maximum limit of reservation at 50%. This new provision will give more representation to the OBC class. However, where the SC-ST population is more than 50%. At the same time, OBC reservation will not benefit. For the first time in the state, the mayor and chairman will be elected directly by the votes of the public. This change will give the public a direct opportunity to choose the representative of their choice.
The Election Commission has issued strict guidelines to make the election fair and transparent. A provision has been made for one polling station for one thousand voters. Both BJP and Congress have accelerated the process of candidate selection for the elections. A series of meetings has also started at the party level. The contenders have also started meeting senior leaders. Now it remains to be seen how this decision of 50% reservation changes the picture of Chhattisgarh’s urban body elections.
Let us inform you that Chhattisgarh cabinet has decided direct polls of mayors and civic body. The existing system to elect mayors and chairpersons of municipal bodies was indirect.
Ahead of the municipal body elections, the Chhattisgarh cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Monday December 2, 2024 decided to amend the existing rules that govern urban body polls, approving direct elections of mayors in municipal corporations and chairpersons of municipal bodies by the people. The existing system to elect mayors and chairpersons of municipal bodies was indirect.
The draft of Ordinance 2024 was approved in the cabinet meeting on amendment in different Sections of Chhattisgarh Municipal Corporation Act 1956 (Amendment) Ordinance 2024 and Chhattisgarh Municipality Act 1961 (Amendment) Ordinance 2024 (provisions related to direct elections and reservations). The municipal body polls are due in January 2025 .
