State election commissioner J.S. Saharia has expressed the view that it is not a good idea for corporators whose term ends after three months to elect members of legislative council (MLCs) for a period of six years.
While ten municipal corporations go to polls early next year, including Mumbai, Thane, Ulhasnagar, Nashik, Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Solapur, Amravati, Akola and Nagpur; terms of seven MLCs come to an end on December 5 with only one among these seven MLCs having an election that clashes with corporation polls.
Mr Saharia said that municipal corporation elections would be conducted before March next year as per constitutional provisions. “We cannot postpone or bring closer elections of any of the corporations. Also, whom to ask to extend or reduce the five-year term of elected corporators,” he questioned.
Meanwhile, Pune municipal corporation, which is under the control of NCP, has opposed the view not to allow sitting corporators to elect MLCs. NCP leader Ajit Pawar has taken serious objection and said that his party will oppose the move if the state election commission brings closer the Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad municipal corporation elections.
Mr Saharia rubbished NCP’s stand and said he had not recommended bringing closer the elections. He was quick to add however that, “The term of sitting corporators will end in March and new corporators will be elected by voters for a period of five years. On the contrary, MLCs will be elected in December for the next six years.”
