Dehra Dun:Â With indications that the elections to the Uttarakhand vidhan sabha will be held in February end, an announcement to effect is on the cards by the Election Commission.
The Commission wants that the elections are held at a time when the dates do not clash with dates of examinations of various schools and colleges. Apprehensions have, however, been expressed from certain quarters that the higher reaches of this small mountain state could be under snow and a cold wave in February.
However, the Commission is of the view that in March-April it is time for examinations in schools and colleges and the electioneering din could hamper the studies. Besides, the participation of the youth could also be adversely affected in the electioneering process if elections are held then.
It also feels that delaying them any further would also not be possible as the harvesting of crops will begin and the rural population will become busy in the harvesting process. This could also hamper the participation of the rural masses in practicing their franchise.
Meanwhile sources in the Congress party here said that the manner in which sops were being doled out by Uttarakhand chief minister B C Khanduri by making announcements every day, appeasing all and sundry, was something that the Election Commission should take cognizance of.
Besides announcements doling out various sops, the chief minister is also on a foundation stone laying spree all over the state to woo the voters. “Once the elections are announced, the moral code of conduct will come into effect automatically, and all these announcements to woo the voters will come to an endâ€, they added.
A journalist with over 40 years of experience, Jagdish Bhatt was Editor, Hill Post (Uttarakhand).
Jagdish had worked with India’s leading English dailies, which include Times of India, Indian Express, Pioneer and several other reputed publications. A highly acclaimed journalist, he was a recipient of many awards
Jagdish Bhatt, aged 72, breathed his last on 28th August 2021 at his Dehradun residence.
