Pondys laidback character to blame?

PUDUCHERRY: Most metropolitan cities are characterised by energy, speed and a certain vigour, whereas smaller cities like Puducherry are wont to boast a sedate, relaxed pace. In keeping with the character of the latter, a certain lethargy has crept in with regard to the holding of civic polls. For the last 33 years from 1973 to 2006, the Union Territory has not conducted civic polls. As per the 73rd and 74th amendments to the constitution, which came into force in June 1994, it is now mandatory to conduct civic elections. And if Puducherry does not want to violate the constitution, it would do good to hold the elections this year, scheduled to be held before July.  The last civic polls were held in 2006 in three phases - on June 24 and 27, 2006 and on July 1, 2006, with the results being declared on July 3, 2006.There’s another problem at hand. The State Election Commission now stands defunct with the post of the state election commissioner remaining vacant for the past four years and seven months, since February 19, 2007.According to sources, the preparatory work for the civic elections, which should have been held at least in June-July 2011, should have started a year ago. Surprisingly, till date, neither the previous government led by Congress, which incidentally swore by late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s dream of decentralisation of power, nor the present All India Namathu Rajyam Congress  (AINRC) government, which assumed office a month ago, has taken any steps to hold the civic elections in the UT.The Union ministries of home and panchayati raj also failed to monitor UT’s adherence to the constitution. Surprisingly, the political parties in Puducherry, which are known to raise their voice even for trivial matters, had conveniently turned a blind eye to this particular issue.Now, according to V A Vasudevaraju, former IAS officer, the option left before the government was to promulgate an ordinance declaring the postponement of the elections and appointment of special officers for the village panchayats.It’s to their eternal good if the government of Puducherry and the Lieutenant Governor wake up to the reality and act.