The Rajasthan State Election Commission assured the Rajasthan High Court of its readiness to conduct long-pending Panchayati Raj and Urban Local Body elections. The Commission stated that it could announce the poll schedule within two days if the state government finalizes and notifies the reservation of seats.
State Election Commissioner Rajeshwar Singh, in a video conference during a contempt petition hearing, explained that the delay was due to the government’s incomplete reservation process for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, and women. Singh highlighted that while all election-related preparations, such as updating voter lists and arranging Electronic Voting Machines, were complete, the notification of elections hinged on finalizing reservations for wards and chairperson posts.
Singh emphasized that despite the Commission’s readiness with updated voter lists and logistical arrangements, the notification of elections depended on the finalization of reservations by the Panchayati Raj Department and the Department of Local Self-Government.
The Election Commissioner disclosed that the Commission had urged the Panchayati Raj Department and the Local Self-Government Department multiple times to expedite the reservation process. The departments indicated that the OBC Commission’s report was expected by August 14, following which the reservation lottery would be conducted. The completion of reservations for SC, ST, OBC, and women is proposed to be finalized by August 21, as per Singh’s statement to the court.
