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

Bhubaneswar: The BJP on Sunday said if the State Election Commission (SEO) does not take steps to conduct election to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), it will be forced to move the Orissa High Court in 7 days.

Addressing the media here, senior BJP leader of the state Pitambar Acharya said as elections to 5 municipal corporations and 109 ULBs have not been held for the last 3 years, development of urban areas in the state has been neglected.

Stating that the SEO has initiated steps to conduct panchayat elections but failed to make any announcement about ULB polls, Acharya alleged that the officer was acting at the behest of the state government.

“As the ULB elections have not been held since September, 2018, the government officials are handling the municipal responsibilities besides their normal duties. It has not only deprived the people of various welfare schemes but also promoted corrupt practices in the administration,” Acharya said.

He further said it is the constitutional responsibility of the SEO to hold ULB and panchayat elections every 5 years like Assembly and Lok Sabha polls. If the SEO fails to act on ULB polls, the BJP will move impeachment motion against the officer in the Parliament, he added.