GUWAHATI: Chief election commissioner Rajiv Kumar on Tuesday assured that effort will be to complete the delimitation of Lok Sabha and assembly constituencies in Assam in a “speedy manner”, yet with utmost care.
Speaking to the media here, the CEC said that the commission is encouraged by the representation of political parties and organizations during the three-day visit of the poll panel to the northeastern state.
“Close to 65 organizations, 10 political parties spent time with us (during the hearing). There is an understanding, appreciation and participation to get this exercise completed. If we continue receiving such support and suggestions, we will complete the exercise in a speedy manner, as much as required, but with extreme care. It’s a complex exercise,” he said.
Kumar said different historical, cultural, geographical and demographic aspects will be kept in mind during the delimitation exercise. “There should not be a mistake in hurry,” Kumar cautioned, even as he did not disclose a possible timing of completion of the delimitation exercise- to redraw the boundaries of the parliamentary and assembly constituencies of the state.
He said the delimitation in Assam will continue as per the 2001 census figures.
Kumar said as raised by political parties and as per the provisions of the Constitution, the interests of the autonomous council areas and Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) districts of the state will be kept in mind during the exercise. He confirmed that the number of constituencies in the state will remain the same.
“We will publish a draft and after that will give one-month time for giving us suggestions,” the CEC said.
Principal opposition party, Congress, boycotted the meeting with EC, accusing it of giving “less time” to them. State PCC chief Bhupen Borah alleged the EC visit was ‘predetermined’, indulged in “match-fixing” and influenced by the BJP.
Kumar however rubbished the allegation and EC cannot be or will not be influenced by any force. He said that the EC is open to receive suggestions till April 15 and welcomed all to put forth their suggestions.
Speaking to the media here, the CEC said that the commission is encouraged by the representation of political parties and organizations during the three-day visit of the poll panel to the northeastern state.
“Close to 65 organizations, 10 political parties spent time with us (during the hearing). There is an understanding, appreciation and participation to get this exercise completed. If we continue receiving such support and suggestions, we will complete the exercise in a speedy manner, as much as required, but with extreme care. It’s a complex exercise,” he said.
Kumar said different historical, cultural, geographical and demographic aspects will be kept in mind during the delimitation exercise. “There should not be a mistake in hurry,” Kumar cautioned, even as he did not disclose a possible timing of completion of the delimitation exercise- to redraw the boundaries of the parliamentary and assembly constituencies of the state.
He said the delimitation in Assam will continue as per the 2001 census figures.
Kumar said as raised by political parties and as per the provisions of the Constitution, the interests of the autonomous council areas and Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) districts of the state will be kept in mind during the exercise. He confirmed that the number of constituencies in the state will remain the same.
“We will publish a draft and after that will give one-month time for giving us suggestions,” the CEC said.
Principal opposition party, Congress, boycotted the meeting with EC, accusing it of giving “less time” to them. State PCC chief Bhupen Borah alleged the EC visit was ‘predetermined’, indulged in “match-fixing” and influenced by the BJP.
Kumar however rubbished the allegation and EC cannot be or will not be influenced by any force. He said that the EC is open to receive suggestions till April 15 and welcomed all to put forth their suggestions.
