Electoral Revision In Municipalities: BJP Accuses Odisha SEC Of Violating Rules

Bhubaneswar: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused the State Election Commission (SEC) of violating the prescribed rules in its notification for electoral revision in the municipalities.

A memorandum, submitted to the SEC by a delegation of the state BJP on Saturday, stated that the Commission released a notification on electoral revision at ward level in Bhubaneswar, Berhampur and Cuttack municipalities on February 2.

As per the notification, the Commission has set six days for receipt of grievances from voters from February 11 and 16 and one day for the disposal of claims and objections on February 18.

But, the State Municipal Corporation Act 2003 provides that at least 10 days should be provided for hearing of the grievances and three days for taking decisions on those, the BJP pointed out and alleged that it was a clear violation of the Municipal Act.

Stating that it is not possible on the part of SEC to dispose of the grievances in one day, the party demanded the notification to be withdrawn and a revised one issued to ensure free and fair election to urban local bodies.