UP okays controversial civic polls rules

A meeting of the state Cabinet,chaired by CM Mayawati,approved the controversial Uttar Pradesh Municipalities (Elections of Members,Corporators,Chairman and Mayors) Rules 2010,which contains the provision that debars political parties from contesting municipal elections.

The draft rules were notified on May 11,inviting objections and suggestions within 30 days. However,the notification was neither given any publicity,nor were political parties informed about it. A day before the deadline for filing the objections,they got to know about the move,leading to much hue and cry over the government’s alleged hidden agenda.

A statement said Principal Secretary (Urban Development) received eight representations regarding the notification and those were taken into consideration before giving approval to the rules.

Municipal elections in the state are held under Election Conduct Orders because rules had never been framed under the the UP Municipalities Act 1916 and UP Municipal Corporation Act,1959. To fill this gap,the government decided to frame rules.

Opposition parties have alleged the move is allegedly aimed at helping BSP manipulate local bodies elections since the party’s base is weak base in urban areas.