EC preps up for RS polls

Raipur, December 25

Election Commission has started preparations for biennial Rajya Sabha elections as over 50 seats of about dozens of states including Chhattisagrh are vacating in March and April in 2014. In Chhattisgarh, the tenure of two RS members is concluding in April end. The EC has indicated of conducting RS polls in the first fortnight of April.

The commission has reportedly sent a letter to State’s chief electoral officer Sunil Kujur seeking information pertaining appointment of returning officer (RO), assistant returning officer (ARO) and poll centre. Kujur has forwarded this letter to State assembly secretariat and directed to quickly send names of RO and ARO.

According to information, State assembly’s principal secretary Devendra Verma and official M Gangarade are likely to be appointed as RO and ARO for RS polls again as they have been doing this job for the past couple of terms. If needed, the polling would be conducted in room number 2 in Vidhan Sabha campus.

From Chhattisgarh, the Upper House of parliament is represented by BJP’s Shivpratap Singh, Nandkumar Sai and Dr Bhushan Lal Jangde and Congress’ Motilal Vora and Mohsina Kidwai. In April, the two-year term of Shivpratap Singh and Motilal Vora will conclude.

While in Congress circle, AICC treasurer and octogenarian Vora is set to make a hat trick in the RS for his closeness with the high command and skill with which he is handling the party finances, the BJP is likely to replace Shivpratap Singh with a new face.

According to information, the State unit of BJP is planning to give opportunity to one of the organisational members in the RS. CM Raman Singh has hinted that his preference would be organisational secretary Rampratap Singh.

Considering status of political parties in 90-member State assembly, BJP has 49 seats, Congress has 39 and one each belong to BSP and independent. Hence, this time too, one seat each will go to BJP and Congress. If polling will be held, the candidates will require 50 percent of the total votes to win. According to vote share, both BJP and Congress candidates are likely to be elected unopposed.