The West Bengal State Election Commission (WBSEC) has approached the Calcutta High Court on Thursday seeking necessary orders to hold elections in seven municipal bodies of the State. The High Court in April this year had passed an order directing the WBSEC to hold elections to these seven municipal bodies within two months.
“As per the directives of the High Court the WBSEC had taken desired steps to hold elections in the seven bodies. However, the State government approached the Court stating that it wants to upgrade the municipal bodies to municipal corporations and would require more time before the elections are held,” Nayan Bihani, the counsel of WBSEC told The Hindu .
Mr Bihani said that in the present circumstances the WBSEC has approached the Court so that it can issue necessary directive.
The High Court will take up application of both the State Government and WBSEC on Friday.
The seven civic bodies are Asansol Municipal Corporation, Kulti Municipality, Raniganj Municipality, Jamuria Municipality, Bidhannagar Municipality, Rajarhat-Gopalpur Municipality and Bally Municipality.
According to the Opposition, the State government is “purposely delaying” polls in these bodies as the ruling party is on a weak ground there. Last month’s polls to 92 civic bodies including the Kolkata Municipal Corporation were held but these seven civic bodies were not included.
