BJP Blames SEC For Delay In Urban Body Polls, Seeks Odisha Governor’s Intervention

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha BJP on Saturday sought the urgent intervention of Governor Ganeshi Lal in conducting urban local body (ULB) polls in the state.

In a Twitter post, state BJP spokesperson Pitambar Acharya said that the Governor, being the head of the state, should summon the State Election Commissioner (SEC) and seek clarification as to why he has subverted the constitutional mandate in not holding the urban body polls for three years.

Acharya said there has been a serious breach of constitutional machinery since the SEC in tandem with the state government has deliberately deferred the urban body polls and managing the affairs through the bureaucrats against the spirit of the constitution and law.

“The SEC as a creature of the constitution is bound by it and has to uphold the constitutional values. The SEC acts independently as per the dictates of the Constitution of India as it is neither a statutory body nor is subservient to the government. However, it has failed in this front in Odisha,” Acharya maintained.

Notably, the BJP on July 25 had threatened to move the Orissa High Court if the SEC does not take steps to conduct the election to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).

Also Read: Odisha ULB Polls: BJP Threatens To Move HC Against State Election Commission