Kolkata: The state Election Commission has decided to defer the municipal election in view of the present situation regarding COVID-19. On Monday during an all-party meeting, representatives from the political parties have agreed to delay the election.
State Election Commissioner Saurabh Das on Monday said: "A discussion took place where representatives from all political parties agreed to delay the municipal election in view of the pandemic situation. Though the election has been delayed, the election process will continue."
Das further informed that the situation will be reviewed after 15 days. If the pandemic situation tides over, the election commission will issue the notification.
He also claimed that the election commission is ready to conduct the municipal election at any point of time. According to the state election commissioner, other paperwork will continue till the publication of notification.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said in this connection: "Elections are important. But we have to give priority to humanity. It would not be a major problem if the polls are deferred a bit. However, the State Election Commission will be taking the decision in this regard."
Trinamool Congress President Subrata Bakshi stated that they had urged to defer the municipal election, which was agreed to by other political parties.
Sources informed that the commission is mulling to conduct the election after Ramzan, if the situation turns normal by the end of this month.
During the meeting, representatives from all political parties requested to conduct the election as soon as possible, after the pandemic situation tides over.
Meanwhile, CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty demanded to conduct the election of 107 municipal bodies and Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) on the same day. He has also demanded to conduct the election under the supervision of central security force.
Congress leader Pradip Bhattacharya said: "If the state government wants to defer the municipal election in view of the present pandemic situation, we have no objection. But before issuing of notification, an all-party meeting must be called again."