Raipur
Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao announced that municipal elections in the state will be conducted using ballot papers instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). The government decided to opt for ballot papers due to the large number of candidates contesting the elections.
Reacting to this decision, Congress leader Sushil Anand Shukla criticized the BJP, accusing it of fearing elections. He alleged that the government lacks the courage to face the public and has been making excuses. He pointed out delays, such as amendments to ordinances and extending the reservation process for municipal chairpersons and mayors, as signs of public dissatisfaction with the government’s performance.
The Deputy CM also stated that panchayat and municipal elections would be held simultaneously, and preparations for this have been completed by the State Election Commission. He highlighted that the government had initiated preparations well in advance.
In line with a Supreme Court directive, the reservation system for these elections has been revised. A Backward Classes Commission was established, and its recommendations are being implemented for reservations. Additionally, the government has decided to conduct direct elections for the positions of mayors and municipal chairpersons.
The reservation process for the positions of municipal chairpersons and mayors will be finalized by January 7, 2025. This process has seen delays due to the creation of new municipal bodies and the reclassification of several towns. Once completed, the details will be submitted to the Election Commission, which will then announce the election schedule.
Sao assured that all elections would be completed before the start of board exams in March 2025. He noted that voter lists are now updated quarterly instead of annually to ensure new voters can register more efficiently.
The Chhattisgarh Board of Secondary Education has already announced the board exam schedule. Class 12 exams are set to take place from March 1 to March 28, 2025, while Class 10 exams will be conducted from March 3 to March 24, 2025.
The reservation process scheduled for December 27, 2024, has been postponed to January 7, 2025. Consequently, the election code of conduct is expected to come into effect only after January 7. This delay may also pave the way for the swearing-in of new ministers in the interim period.
