In an unprecedented move the Delhi State Election Commission (SEC) after calling for a press conference on 9th March called to announce the MCD Elections schedule, stated that the announcement of the dates for MCD elections has been postponed. The SEC said that it has received a communication from the Central Govt through the Lieutenant Governor for postponement of the election till a Bill is passed in the Parliament unifying all the three Corporations of Delhi.
CPIML Delhi State Secretary Ravi Rai has said that this move by the SEC is quite concerning because it raises questions over the autonomy of the SEC vis-à-vis the Central Govt. The SEC’s mandate is to ensure that MCD Elections 2022 are held before the term of the present MCDs are over. It must ensure that elections are smoothly held and there is no interference from the Executive.
The letter by the Central Govt to the SEC is a highly undemocratic move, it not only reveals the intention of the BJP to postpone the MCD election in a situation where it is facing massive unpopularity. Also, the move to introduce a Bill in Parliament to unify the three corporations is being done in a completely highhanded manner with no prior consultations and discussion with all stakeholders including the people of Delhi. The BJP Govt cannot ignore the opinion of the people while deciding the fate of the MCD.
The CPIML demands that the SEC immediately declare the dates of the MCD Elections 2022 without any further delay and that any change to the trifurcation of the MCD should not happen without extensive dialogue with all stakeholders involved, including political parties. To begin this process the LG of Delhi must immediately call an all-party meeting to discuss this issue before acting in any haste.
