Now Reading: BJP threatens protest, legal action over Shimla zila parishad delay
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BJP threatens protest, legal action over Shimla zila parishad delay
Opposition leader Jai Ram Thakur has given the Himachal Pradesh government a two-day ultimatum to announce elections for the chairperson and vice-chairperson of the Shimla zila parishad, or face a high court…
The Story in Brief
Opposition leader Jai Ram Thakur has given the Himachal Pradesh government a two-day ultimatum to announce elections for the chairperson and vice-chairperson of the Shimla zila parishad, or face a high court petition on Monday. The BJP has 13 of the 25 elected members and claims two more are in contact. Thakur accused the Congress government of deliberately stalling the process to suppress the democratic mandate.
Elections for the top posts have been completed in 10 of the state's 12 districts. Thakur alleged that in nine of these, Congress could not even field candidates. He warned that if no date is set, the BJP will protest outside the deputy commissioner's office. The Supreme Court had directed that all panchayati raj processes, including elections for office-bearers, be completed by May 31.
The Indian Opinion
Both sides are quick to play the victim. The BJP, despite holding a clear majority in Shimla, cries suppression. Congress, which controls the administration, has not explained why the election is pending for two-and-a-half months after results. The real test is administrative integrity: will the deputy commissioner announce a date within Thakur's deadline, or will the matter land in court? The answer will show whether the delay is bureaucratic incompetence or political gamesmanship.
Source: hindustantimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
