Review of polls in Polavaram-affected areas sought

Vijayawada: Advocate Shaik Ranjith Pasha has urged the State Election Commission to examine the implications of conducting ordinary elections to Gram Panchayats, Mandal Parishad Territorial Constituencies (MPTCs) and Zilla Parishad Territorial Constituencies (ZPTCs) in villages affected by the Polavaram project.

In a representation submitted to State Election Commissioner Anil Chandra Punetha on Monday, he sought an urgent assessment of the proposed elections in submergence areas, including villages falling under old and newly constituted or reorganised mandals, in view of the impending displacement, relocation and rehabilitation of residents.

Pasha pointed out that conducting elections to existing local bodies shortly before villages are submerged or vacated could raise questions about their continued functioning, territorial relevance and ability to provide effective democratic representation. The relocation of displaced families to Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R) centres or other locations in different administrative jurisdictions could also have implications for their future local governance arrangements.

He requested the Commission to obtain official reports from district Collectors, Panchayat Raj authorities and rehabilitation officials identifying affected villages, population details, proposed R&R centres and relocation schedules.

The advocate urged the Commission to examine the implications for Gram Panchayats, MPTCs and ZPTCs separately and assess whether any lawful electoral or administrative adjustments were necessary to protect the interests of displaced residents.

Pasha urged the Commission to coordinate with the concerned departments, take a reasoned decision and communicate the action taken on his representation.

Responding positively to the submission, the State Election Commissioner deferred elections for four ZPTC and 29 MPTC seats of the seven mandals of the submergence area of Polavaram.

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Shyam Sundar Matham

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