Yog Raj Sharma
The North News
Shimla, November 22
A standoff between the Himachal Pradesh government and the State Election Commission (SEC) over delays in Panchayati Raj elections appears to be softening, with officials now moving to collect polling materials after the Commission’s stern warning. Following sharp reminders from the SEC, district election officers have begun preparing to lift election material. According to sources, several district collectors and deputy commissioners approached the Election Commissioner on Friday evening, requesting a revised schedule for material distribution. The Panchayati Raj Department had also sought clarity.
In response, the SEC has issued a new district-wise timetable. Under the revised plan, DCs of Kinnaur and Kullu will collect material from the Printing and Stationery Department in Shimla on November 24. Sirmaur and Una will follow on November 25, Shimla district on November 26, Kangra on November 27 , and Mandi on November 28 . Solan and Chamba will lift material on November 29, while Bilaspur and Hamirpur will do so on December 1 .
The Commission has also ordered strict security measures. Ballot papers must be transported only in government vehicles and accompanied by armed police. The material is to be kept under tight security until polling is completed.
The dispute intensified earlier after the SEC noted that despite issuing a schedule to all districts for collection by 10 November, none of the deputy commissioners had complied. Notices seeking explanation were subsequently served to district election authorities.
