Civic polls: Municipal chief asked to visit 10 objectionable panels

She said the municipal commissioner has been asked to visit the site to address certain objections raised by citizens. “The municipal commissioner has to take decisions on 10 objections while trying to make adjustments which are possible within the set norms of panel design. Thereafter,the final design of panels will be published,” Satyanarayanan said.

She said many citizens expressed disappointment over the hearing but everything was conducted as per the rules.

“The hearing was to understand the objections and address the queries in person. There was no reason for making it a public hearing as it would have created unneccessary chaos,” she said,adding,the help of police was taken to ensure there is no law and order problem during the hearing.

The PMC has been divided into 76 panels for the forthcoming polls and two representatives will be elected from each panel. “The panel area is decided keeping in mind the population,natural boundaries and the enumeration block as per the census record,” she said.

Satyanarayanan said the PMC polls will be held on the basis of 2011 census records,adding,the number of seats have increased owing to latest population figure. However,the reservation quota will be decided by the data of 2001 census as there are no details of caste-based population available.

“We tried hard to get the caste-based census figures but to no avail,” she added.

The state election commission has decided to use private properties for polling centre as the schools and colleges might not be available due to examinations during the period,Satyanaraynan said.

State election chief refutes power misuse charges State election commissioner Neela Satyanrayanan on Thursday refuted charges levelled against her on misuse of power,saying it never happened in 37 years of her career.

There was criticism over the tight security for the hearing and the election commission using its power for calling the meeting of senior authorities of various departments. “I am holding a constitutional post. The only reason for calling a meet of institution heads was to ensure that hearing is held peacefully,” said Satyanarayanan.

As per the rules the state election commissioner has a protocol equivalent to that of the high court judge,said an emotional Satyanarayanan,adding it was not in her nature to misuse power. “I felt bad on the criticism of me misusing power. I have a mentally challenged son and have been away from home for a month for the hearings. There were suggestions to me to not to attend all the hearings but I insisted as it was my responsibility.” she said. With tears in her eyes,she said that those criticising her should have approached her before going public.