 "Blow to Mamata as HC directs Panchyat poll with deployment of central forces")
In a big blow to West Bengal government, Cacutta High court today authorised the State Election Commisson (SEC) today decide the schedule of a three-phased Panchayat poll in the state under surveillance of Central armed forces.
Justice Biswanath Samaddar of Calcutta High court today directed to initiate the Panchayat election process in the next 24 hours. As a first step, beside giving detalis about arrangement of security forces in the poll, the state government has been asked to hand over to SEC the list of 400 officials who would work as elction observers -- all by tomorrow.
Following this, SEC has been asked to provide a proposal to state government with three possible poll dates and divison of districts for the polls to be held in three phases. Only after this, state will announce and notify poll dates.
Justice Biswanath Samaddar of Calcutta High court today directed to initiate the Panchayat election process in the next 24 hours. As a first step, beside giving detalis about arrangement of security forces in the poll, the state government has been asked to hand over to SEC the list of 400 officials who would work as elction observers -- all by tomorrow.
Following this, SEC has been asked to provide a proposal to state government with three possible poll dates and divison of districts for the polls to be held in three phases. Only after this, state will announce and notify poll dates.
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Thus, the court has validated all of the SEC's demands, which were opposed by the Mamata Banerjee-government. As the state government refused to poll panel's demands for three-phase election and deployment of central forces in the rural election, SEC had moved Calcutta High court against the state government in the matter.
| TIMELINE |
| March 22, 2013: West Bengal government announces two-phase Panchayat polls on April 26 and 30 |
| March 25: State Election Commission (SEC) writes to government to reconsider poll dates. Seeks three-stage poll and deployment of central forces. |
| March 26: Bengal government responds to the letter and proposes more equitable division of districts in the two phases as compromise formula. Says ready for deployment of police from neighbouring states, if need. |
| March 28: SEC refuses to notify the sates yet. State Election Commissioner Mira Pande meets Governor M K Narayanan. Stay firm on its demand for deployment of central forces. |
| March 29: Ruling TMC alleges collusion between Mira Pande and opposition parties. Says, series of letters sent by state election commission to state government might have been drafted in an office of a political party |
| April 1: SEC moves court. Appeals for dismissal of government's notice on rural poll dates. Seeks court's direction for deployment of central forces. |
| April 10: Court says keeping the importance of the matter in mind, it would hear the case regarding the Panchayat poll stalemate for more than an hour after normal court hours. SEC had requested for early disposal of the case. |
| May 10: Calcutta High directs three-phase Panchayat poll with security arrangement, poll panel feel necessary. |