N. Ramesh Kumar, the State Election Commissioner, responded to the request of Ms. Nilam Sawhney, the Chief Secretary of Andhra Pradesh (A.P.) .
Nilam Sawhney, on the 16th of March, requested the State Election Commission (SEC) to revoke orders of postponement of the A.P., local bodies elections. On the 15th of March, Mr. Kumar issued a notice to postpone the local bodies elections due to the outbreak of the deadly Novel Coronavirus or COVID-19.
However, the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) Government opposed the decision and even approached the Supreme Court regarding the same.
On the 17th of March, Ramesh Kumar responded to Nilam Sawhney and wrote a three page letter justifying his decision. He said the SECs across India are discussing the matter.
Highlighting the concern of the State Government, the SEC said, the 14th Finance Commission fund to the local bodies, could be accessed even if the elections are postponed.
The A.P., Government asked to conduct the local bodies elections as per scheduled amid the outbreak of the deadly Coronavirus because of the fund of Rs. 500 crores. According to sources, if the elections were not concluded by the 31st of March, the 14th Finance Commission might withdraw the funds, provided for the development of the State and local bodies elections.
The final decision regarding the conduct of the local bodies elections is yet to be made. The A.P., local bodies elections are scheduled to be held between the 21st of March to the 29th of March.
