Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, January 12
The Himachal Pradesh unit of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has welcomed a High Court ruling on Panchayati Raj elections, saying it strengthens democracy and upholds the Constitution. BJP state president Rajeev Bindal said the verdict delivered by the Himachal Pradesh High Court was in the larger interest of rural residents and had been widely welcomed across the state.
In a statement, Dr Bindal launched a sharp attack on the Congress-led state government, accusing it of attempting to delay the local body elections despite the State Election Commission having completed preparations to hold the polls in December and January. He said the court had delivered a “clear and decisive” ruling in favour of the people, democracy and constitutional values.
Dr Bindal also criticised comments made by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on the court’s decision, describing them as “unfortunate and objectionable”.“The language used undermines the dignity of the judiciary and reflects disregard for constitutional institutions,” he said, adding that such remarks struck at the foundations of democratic values.
The BJP leader warned that making what he described as unwarranted comments on judicial orders amounted to interference in the functioning of the courts, which his party would not accept.
He called on the Congress government to respect the High Court’s directions and ensure that Panchayati Raj elections are conducted in a timely, free and fair manner.
Dr Bindal said the BJP would continue to stand with democracy, the Constitution and the interests of rural Himachal Pradesh, and would oppose any attempt to weaken the Panchayati Raj system.
