The Rajasthan government, under Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, has presented a clear timeline for the long-awaited Panchayati Raj and Urban Local Body elections as directed by the High Court. The process will kick off in August, with Urban Local Body elections scheduled to be announced on August 17, followed by Panchayat elections on September 23.
Initially, Urban Local Body polls will take place, followed by the Panchayat elections. In a recent hearing, the BJP-led government in Rajasthan informed the court about a significant meeting held on July 19 under the Chief Secretary’s leadership, aligning with the court’s directives from July 16.
This meeting involved officials from various departments, including the State Election Commission, OBC Commission, Department of Local Self-Government, and Panchayati Raj Department. It was decided that the OBC Commission would present its report by August 5, and the reservation process for SCs, STs, OBCs, and women would be finalized through a lottery by August 15, after which the State Election Commission would commence the election procedures.
The High Court emphasized the necessity of a precise schedule rather than a vague commitment from the government during the proceedings. Responding to this, the government assured the court that the Urban Local Body elections would be notified by August 17, and the Panchayat elections’ notification would follow on September 23.
According to the government’s blueprint, the State Election Commission will conduct the elections within 90 days of completing the reservation formalities. If the proposed timetable gains High Court approval, the polling for Panchayat and Urban Local Body elections is anticipated to conclude in multiple phases by November 15.
The issue was brought before the High Court through separate Public Interest Litigations (PILs) challenging the delay in conducting local body and Panchayat elections. Girraj Singh Devanda filed the PIL concerning delayed Panchayat elections, while former MLA Sanyam Lodha raised the petition regarding delayed Urban Local Body elections. The High Court has been actively overseeing the situation to ensure timely elections in compliance with constitutional provisions.
