Proceedings of the state Election Commissioner, Andhra Pradesh,
Vijayawada.
Present: Dr.N.Ramesh Kumar, IAS., (Retd) Procss. No.513
lsEc-8212020
Sub: APSEC Elections to Gram Panchayats – Reg.
Ref: APS EC Proceed ings N o. 5 13/S EC 82 I 2020, dt.77 .
77.2020.
1. Pursuant of the Hon’ble High Couft’s observations in W.P.No.22900 of 2020
filed by State Government, a letter was written to the Chief Secretary on
24.12.2020 itself suggestlng a meeting with a view to find a common ground and
a way forward out of the present impasse of elections to Gram Panchayats. This
was done with due deference to the observations of Hon’ble High Court and as
per advise tendered by the Counsel for Commission. There was no response from
the Government for the Commission’s well meant gesture.
2. Government was again reminded on 79.72.2020 that the Commission is open to
discuss based upon the pronouncement of Judgment and Government did not choose
to respond again.
3. The Judgement in W,P.No.22900 I 2020 formally has become public on
05.01.2021. The 3 day time limit laid down by the Hon’ble A.P. High Court that
a delegation of State Government should apprise the Commission had come to an
end on 07.01.2O2t without a response fofthcoming from the Government. Be it as
may, the Commission took the onus on itself to write to the State Government
again on 07.01.2021 that notwithstanding Government’s non response, one more
opportunity to consult with the Commission is offered on 08.01.2021.
4. Pursuant to the relentless efforts made, the Government vide its letter
(dt.07.01.2021) had placed before the Commission, information reiterating its
earlier stated position regarding the delicate situation continuing on Carona
front as well its apprehensions regarding a mutant strain. GOI’s
communications from time to time imploring the readlness on the part of State
Government’s are placed before the Commission” The Commission is independently
aware of these developments through the information in the public domain as
well as the information made available from highly placed and knowledgeable
sources on its own initiative
5. The State Government is ln favour of postponement of the local body
elections i.e., Gram Panchayat elections scheduled in the month of February so
as to not to interfere with the vaccinatlon programme announced by GOI. The
State Government inter alia suggested the withdrawal of SEC’s Proceedings
No.513/SEC-82/2020, dt.17.11.7020 proposing elections in February, 2021.
6. It is to note that the Commission before proposing to hold Gram Panchayat
elections in February, held a consultative meeting with all the registered
political paftles on 28.10.2020. The Commission met the Chief Secretary on
28.10.2020 and the Principal Secretary, N4edical & Health and the
Commissioner on 27.1O.2O2O. These meetings were held with a view to elicit the
views of the political parties and for exploring the feasibility of holding
elections.
