Local poll tussle: How Karnataka showed Bengal the way

Bangalore, March 27: Is

state election commissioner C R Chikkamath the source of all inspiration for his

counterpart Mira Pandey?

The way Pandey has taken on the state government over conducting the panchayat elections and refused to spare an inch to the Mamata Banerjee administration, it reminds all about Chikkamath, who had stood up against the BJP government of Karnataka over conducting the urban local body (ULB) elections in the state this year.

The Karnataka government wanted to defer the ULB polls and desired to hold them after the assembly polls got over. Several political parties also had similar concerns owing to various factors but Chikkamath was firm on his stand. He said it was his constitutional duty to ensure that the polls were held on time.

The government tried various means to dissuade Chikkamath and even passed a legislation to clip the wings of the state poll panel but all attempts ultimately failed. When the matter reached the Supreme Court, the latter gave its verdict in the favour of Chikkamath and the ULB elections were held on time.

Sources said the Karnataka poll commissioner has even sent a copy of the apex court's verdict to Pandey who has been facing opposition from the West Bengal government in conducting the rural polls due in April.

Will Pandey repeat the feat of Chikkamath? Chances are on.

OneIndia News