Delimitation of constituencies to be ready in 2 months: CEC

Tiruchirapalli, May 20 (UNI) Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) N Gopalswamy said the final listing of Delimitation of Parliament and Assembly constituencies would be made ready in the next two months.

Speaking to medipersons here this evening, after chairing the two day public hearing on Delimitation of Parliamentary and Assembly constituencies, the CEC said the process was progressing and in the next two months the final listing would be made ready, followed by announcement of notification. Later, it would be submitted to the President for his consent.

The actual date from which the new constituency listing would come into effect would be based on the consent to be given by the President, he added.

On whether the peoples' sentiments would be considered by the Election Commission, while finalising the list, Mr Gopalswamy said EC would certainly consider peoples' sentiments to the extent possible.

He said in Tamil Nadu so far about 600 petitions had been received. The committee had planned a meeting at Chennai on May 23 to discuss the issues pertaining to Tamil Nadu.

He said in Tamil Nadu ST constituencies were reduced from three to two, while constituencies under this category was enhanced to 44 from the existing number of 42, all depending upon the variation of percentage in population.

On distribution of reserved constituencies under rule number 93, proposals had emanated from the public and other political representations, that Tamil Nadu could be sub-divided into four or five zones and the suggestions were under considerations by the CEC.

On conduct of elections in the state in different phases after the recent Uttar Pradesh experience, Mr Gopalswamy replied that the number of phases were opted depending upon various parameters and track records in particular states.

On the Presidential elections, he said the EC had already initiated the preliminary arrangements and the actual election exercises would commence soon after the announcement of the official notification.

When the medaperons asked the CEC about the exact date of notification, he said ''it would be made at the appropriate time.'' UNI