Goa is currently engaged in a debate on whether elections to the Panchayat, Zilla Panchayat and Municipal bodies should be party based. The ruling BJP is pushing it on party lines but the issue needs to extensive debate. If elections are on party lines it will lead to the further politicisation of the local bodies with the rot of party politics officially percolating to the very grass roots. The government needs to come clear on its objective for these elections on party lines. If the only concern is to ensure stability in the working of these elected bodies, this can be ensured by having in place rules restricting frequent tabling of no-confidence motions. If Goa has to go the party way there will have to be amendments to the Panchayat Act, Zilla Panchayat Act, the Municipalities Act, and also the Corporation of City of Panaji Act. This should not be circumvented by issuing an ordinance but must be debated and decided by the Legislative Assembly.
Posted on: Sun, 25 Jan 2015 02:59:20 +0000