U.P. Panchayat poll: Is BJP looking to bypass the semi final?
The Allahabad High Court’s directive to the Uttar Pradesh government and the State Election Commission (SEC) to complete the three-tier panchayat elections within three months has sparked conversations in village chaupals
In a recent development surrounding the Uttar Pradesh Panchayat elections, the Allahabad High Court has mandated the completion of these polls within a three-month timeframe. This directive has raised concerns about whether the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is attempting to bypass the semi-final stage of the electoral process.
Before the election deadline of May 2026, the Uttar Pradesh government decided to postpone the panchayat elections due to a report from the Dedicated Backward Classes Commission on OBC reservations. As interim arrangements were put in place, Gram Pradhans temporarily served as administrators until the newly elected bodies assumed their roles. However, the High Court ruled against any further delays, insisting that the elections proceed under the existing 27% OBC reservation framework.
Political observers and opposition leaders have criticized the State government for knowing about the May 2026 expiration date and potentially setting up the commission months or even a year in advance to avoid a governance vacuum. They also highlighted that the Supreme Court-mandated "triple test" formula for providing OBC reservations in local body elections has been in place since 2010, and was made mandatory in 2021.
While welcoming the High Court's order, Panchayati Raj Minister Om Prakash Rajbhar stated that the state is prepared to hold the polls and comply with the court's directives. However, the Rashtriya Panchayatiraj Gram Pradhan Sangathan (RPGPS), an organization advocating for village head rights, has expressed its intention to challenge the order in the Supreme Court.
They argue that the court requires reservation for OBCs against its triple test formula, and point out a discrepancy between voter lists for panchayat and assembly polls.
The BJP's political dominance in Uttar Pradesh is under scrutiny, as several opposition parties have pointed out discrepancies in voter lists and questioned the party's ability to maintain its stronghold in the region.
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