Of late, a lot of interest is generated in the election to local bodies. It is not only the politicians and political parties that are interested, but small groups also have shown interest.
But as is a known fact, these local bodies are hot beds of corruption that promote illegalities for personal gains. It is a fact that many of the elected representatives over a period of time have amassed disproportionate assets without known sources of professional or business income.
They are not filing their returns as mandatory and such candidates should be rightly debarred. The reservation of women’s ward and woman Sarpanch should be in cyclic order and not a handle for MLAs to get even with their opponents.
Further, reservation in any ward for OBCs, STs, SCs should be done with respect to their strength therein. Presently it is arbitrary and intentionally to deprive a winning candidate of his chances.
Malpractices associated with Assembly elections are also finding their way in the local body elections. Of late, withdrawals for a consideration are very much in vogue.
Perhaps the government or the State Election Commission could limit winning candidates to two terms and give an opportunity to others and also tackle corruption.
