SC declines to block the 271 Gram Panchayats without the OBC quota polling process

The Supreme Court declined to stay the election process launched in 271 Gram Panchayats in 62 talukas, with voting scheduled for August 4, dealing a severe blow to all political parties in Maharashtra. There will be no political reservation of 27% in local bodies during these elections. Since June 29, when the State Election Commission (SEC) made a statement regarding it, the model code of conduct has been in effect.

 

According to the Supreme Court order issued on May 17, 2022, talukas with little rainfall were chosen. The ruling by the SC comes days after the ruling and opposition parties argued persuasively before the SEC that these elections, as well as those for 92 Nagar Parishads and four Nagar Panchayats set for August 18, should be postponed due to heavy rains and the lack of an OBC quota.

 

It's interesting to note that Tuesday marked the start of the nomination process in 271 Gram Panchayats; the process will run through July 19 with the exception of July 16–17, which are official holidays. The deadline for withdrawing nominations is July 22. The examination of nomination papers will take place on July 20. Voting will take place on August 4 and the results will be announced on August 5.

 

According to today's (Tuesday's) order, elections will be held in 271 Gram Panchayats from 62 talukas, a senior officer from the rural development department stated. However, the government will ask the Supreme Court and the Securities and Exchange Commission to postpone these due to the severe flooding and heavy rains that have been reported in some of these talukas and other areas of Maharashtra, which have severely hampered travel and communication. The movement of the necessary staff in these areas will be negatively impacted.

 

However, an SEC official claimed that voting would take place on August 4 in accordance with the poll schedule and that the election process was already underway in 271 Gramme Panchayats. "The SEC will review the claims made by district authorities regarding heavy rains and flooding and will modify the voting process as necessary."

 

 

Image Courtesy: Twitter @SupremeCourtFan