The announcement of Panchayat and Urban Local Body elections in Rajasthan is expected in the next 10 days. The State Election Commission will conduct elections in over 11,000 Gram Panchayats and 125 Urban Local Bodies. The commission has completed all preparations and assured that the elections will be completed within two months after completing formalities like updating the voter list.
Jaipur: State Election Commissioner Madhukar Gupta, during a press conference in Jaipur, stated that the dates for the Panchayat and Urban Local Body elections in Rajasthan will be announced in the next 10 days. These elections will be conducted in institutions where the 5-year term has expired. The commission has completed updating the voter list and other preparations, and has assured that the election process will be completed fairly and in a timely manner within two months.
Voting in 11,000 Gram Panchayats and 125 Urban Local Bodies
Madhukar Gupta informed that this time, elections will be conducted in over 11,000 Gram Panchayats and 125 Urban Local Bodies. He said, "According to constitutional provisions, it is mandatory to hold elections every five years. The State Election Commission will fulfill this responsibility with complete transparency and fairness."
Updating the voter list and other related formalities will take one to two months. The Election Commission also believes that the timely and fair completion of the election process will safeguard the democratic rights of the people.
Electoral Activity in Politics
With preparations for the announcement of election dates underway, political activity has intensified in the state. All major political parties have become active and are finalizing their strategies at the local level. Especially in rural areas, the search for candidates and voter contact campaigns have gained momentum.
The commissioner said that there would be no delay in the election process and voting would be conducted only after all preparations are complete.
Clarification from the Commission on ‘One State-One Election’
In a conversation with reporters, Madhukar Gupta also shared his perspective on the issue of ‘One State-One Election’. He clarified that until Parliament amends the Constitution, it is not possible to hold local body and Panchayat elections simultaneously.
Gupta said, "The term of elected representatives can neither be extended nor reduced. Under the current constitutional system, separate elections are only possible. Therefore, this year, voting will be held in those Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies whose terms have expired. Elections in other places will be held when the time comes."
Fair Election Process
The State Election Commission has also assured that the elections will be completely transparent. Special attention will be paid to all aspects, including the number of polling stations, security arrangements, preparation of electronic voting machines, and deployment of polling personnel.
Madhukar Gupta informed that updating of the voter list is being fully ensured so that there is no compromise on the rights of any voter. Along with this, the commission will also ensure that voting in rural and urban areas is smooth and fair.
