TNR News Network
Shimla:
The Himachal Pradesh government has directed all Deputy Commissioners (DCs) to collect ballot papers and other essential election materials from the State Election Commission (SEC), signalling the first major breakthrough in the ongoing standoff over the Panchayati Raj elections.
The conflict began after the government invoked the Disaster Management Act on October 8, delaying panchayat polls due to heavy monsoon damage. The SEC rejected this move, calling it beyond the government’s jurisdiction. Tensions escalated when several DCs failed to collect ballot papers between November 15 and 20, prompting the Commission to consider reporting the matter to Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla.
With political pressure intensifying and the High Court seeking clear timelines for elections, the government has softened its stance. Newly appointed Panchayati Raj Secretary C. Pal Rasu met Election Commissioner Anil Khachi yesterday and assured that district administrations would not hinder the poll process. Following this, the government issued formal instructions to DCs to pick up the election material without further delay on Thursday.
Despite this partial resolution, sources said that the government maintains it cannot withdraw the Disaster Management Act order due to continuing road blockages and relief operations in several regions. Meanwhile, the SEC has already preparing its detailed response on this matter for the High Court.
The next hearing is expected to determine whether the stalled panchayat elections can now move forward smoothly.
