Madhya Pradesh Governor Lalji Tandon has approved the ordinance of conducting indirect elections for the posts of Mayor and president of smaller civic bodies.
This has put an end to raging exchange between Congress and BJP over the ordinance which sought to let Councillors instead of electorate elect Mayors and presidents.
With the local body polls round the corner, the BJP passed a statement that Congress government pushed for the ordinance due to their fear of defeat in direct elections. Currently, all mayors in 16 Municipal Corporations belong to BJP.
On Sunday Congress Rajya Sabha MP Vivek Tankha tweeted,” Respected Governor, you were and are an able administrator. According to the Constitution, a Governor works on the recommendations of the cabinet and it is called Raj Dharma.” Listen to Opposition, but don’t stop the Mayor Election Bill. It will set a bad precedent. Just think about it.”
A press note from the State government on Tuesday stated that passing comments on the discretions of Constitutional posts violate principles of the Constitution.
Changing tack, Mr. Tankha tweeted, “We welcome the decision of the Governor of Madhya Pradesh to grant assent and publicize the ordinance for indirect elections of Mayors despite stiff opposition of senior BJP leaders. It reinforces our faith in the majesty of the law. The gratifying moment for those who cherish constitutional laws.
Image source: Dailyworld
