‘Never saw such a situation in my bureaucratic career, need state govt’s unconditional support’

Q: How would you describe the current scenario: a communication gap, a crisis, or unwillingness on the part of the state government to conduct panchayat elections?

A: I won’t call it a crisis. We never were in a crisis. Elections, whether parliamentary, Assembly, or panchayat, are a constitutional process. Nobody can create hurdles, obstruct or stop this process. That said, I believe the situation the State Election Commission is currently facing has never arisen in Himachal, at least to the best of my knowledge. At the same time, I reiterate we have not run out of time. We still have time to meet the constitutional deadline for holding panchayat elections. There might have been instances where elections in some panchayats or local bodies were halted due to litigation, but the entire process was never affected.

Q: The CM says the SEC must follow the Cabinet-approved delimitation decision, but two days ago, you issued a notification barring the delimitation process.

A: There are several matters which fall under the purview of the state government and many under the SEC, but one thing is clear: panchayat elections can only be conducted through the joint efforts of both institutions. Panchayat elections are a two-way process — neither the state government nor the SEC can do everything alone. I do not want to comment on the state government’s decision, but the SEC needs their unconditional support. The SEC notification falls entirely within the ambit of the Constitution of India.

Q: Could you explain what you mean by the state government’s unconditional support?

A: The SEC is almost ready to conduct elections, but we require some clarifications from the state government. First, the reservation roster. If we are to hold elections, we must have clarity on the reservation roster for panchayats, which falls under the government’s purview. Ballot papers — an administrative matter — can be prepared very quickly. Second, if the government concludes that the disaster situation has subsided, it must withdraw the order restraining Deputy Commissioners from undertaking election-related work. These are, in my view, the two main constraints currently holding back the conduct of elections. When I use the term “unconditional support,” I am referring specifically to these two points. Other issues can be sorted out anytime.

Q: If the panchayat elections are delayed, will it reflect on you?

A: I have already made it clear that the SEC cannot conduct elections single-handedly. We need the state government’s support, which is why I am seeking their unconditional support. The Governor of Himachal Pradesh is the constitutional head. As for the commission’s preparedness, voter lists for 3,548 out of 3,577 gram panchayats and all 70 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) have been completed. The remaining 29 gram panchayats, where the compilation work is underway, will have their final voter lists ready by December 1.

Q: Are you satisfied with the state government’s response?

A: This is not about my personal satisfaction. Instead of asking me, you can look at the impression the SEC is getting from the government, based on the orders and notifications issued by this office.

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