Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (SP)

Mangalore, Jan 18: Surprisingly, the notification about the holding of elections for the posts of zilla and taluk panchayat presidents and vice presidents, has not been issued as yet. The terms of the present incumbents of these posts will end shortly.

The terms of the current presidents and vice presidents of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi zilla panchayats will end on January 27. As such, elections for these posts have to be conducted before that date. The government had issued notification about reservation criteria for these posts on January 11.

The election notification needs to be issued at least a week in advance, to make room for time for filing of nominations, withdrawal thereof, and scrutiny. As such, the notification has to be out on or before January 20. Moreover, January 26 happens to be a public holiday on account of Republic Day.

It is therefore being opined that the chances of holding of elections for these posts before January 27 are remote. As such, the zilla panchayat in all likelihood, will be under the rule of administrative officers till a new incumbent is chosen.