Srinagar, Dec 09 (KINS): State Election Commissioner (SEC) KK Sharma Wednesday said that seats of panchs and sarpanchs still lying vacant in panchayat across Jammu and Kashmir despite conduct of DDC polls will be filled soon as Commission is going to issue a separate notification for their election once DDC polls are over.
Talking to reporters in Jammu, Sharma said the Government will analyze the feedback once DDC polls are over and after that a separate notification will be issued for further conduct of elections for vacant seats in panchayat’s. He said that the Government is committed to ensure development and empower people at grassroots level, adding the motto behind the elections for vacant seats is to ensure development of Panchayat’s.
Sharma expressed glad over massive participation of electorates during 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th phases of DDC polls across Jammu and Kashmir. “People came out in long queues while braving the chill and casting their ballots during the last four phases of DDC elections”, he said, adding “I am hopeful that electorates will turn up with same enthusiasm during the rest of the four-phases”.
About complaints of violation of Model Code of Conduct (MCC) and distribution of money among voters, Sharma said that the Government took strong note of such complaints. “Investigation teams have been set into motion who will unveil the truth. If any officer or employee will be found involved in violating norms, he will be suspended and attached”, Sharma added.
He added the Commission has effective mechanisms in place. “We have a nodal officer who reviews the situation. The Commission has received 100 complaints so far which were sent to the district for review and action”, he said.
About Bankote village of Bandipora district, Sharma said the complaint was reviewed with concern Deputy Commissioner after which it was found that there was no distribution of money among voters. “The money was given on account of expenses to polling agents”, Sharma said, and added, “Nothing will be tolerated if any employee will be found in violation of Model Code of Conduct (MCC)”.
He said that it is the first time that DDC polls are being held in J&K wherein people have shown enthusiasm as they want their areas to be developed.
When asked about former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti’s tweet related to her detention, Sharma said that all leaders are being facilitated to carry out poll campaigns. “It is the responsibility of the police to secure political leaders. They can’t put anybody’s life at risk. If Mehbooba was not allowed to visit outside, there might be security reasons which need to be followed”, Sharma said. (KINS)
