PIL shows flaws in BMC poll

Independent candidates contesting BMC elections are hoping that their grievances will be addressed by the Bombay High Court.  Sarthiseva Sangh, a city-based NGO on Wednesday filed a PIL stating that there are operational discrepancies in the way various pre-election stages are scheduled.

The PIL states that the way various pre-election activities have been scheduled this year, has given Independent candidates very little time for canvassing. On December 13, the chief election commission published an election program and scheduled January 15 as the last day of filing nominations, January 20 will be the day when Independent candidates will be allotted symbols and thus they will have time for campaigning only till January 29.

The seven days time according to the petitioners is insufficient for effective campaigning. “Never in the past have candidates got so little time to campaign, they have always been given at least 15 days for canvassing before elections”, said Asif Ali Siddhiqui, the petitioner’s advocate.

Among a total of about 3500 candidates contesting the BMC elections, over 2000 are Independent candidates.