The Himachal Pradesh Assembly on Friday passed two bills that will allow the state government to defer elections to newly constituted urban local bodies by up to two years. The decision, the government said, was taken due to lack of adequate infrastructure, administrative preparedness, and financial resources in the newly created civic bodies.
According to our correspondent, the legislation was cleared after a detailed debate in the House, with the ruling party defending it as a “practical necessity” while the opposition BJP strongly objected, calling the move unconstitutional and politically motivated.
The bills empower the state government to delay polls in 23 newly created municipal councils and nagar panchayats. These urban local bodies were carved out in 2023 and 2024, but many of them still lack basic infrastructure such as administrative buildings, revenue records, and fully functional staff positions.
Urban Development Minister Suresh Bhardwaj told the Assembly that conducting elections in such a scenario would create governance hurdles and burden local populations without offering effective civic services. He assured that the delay would be temporary and aimed at strengthening local governance systems before polls are conducted.
Opposition Criticism
The opposition BJP opposed the bills vehemently, alleging that the ruling Congress government is attempting to delay democratic processes for political gain. BJP MLAs argued that the state government fears electoral backlash in urban areas, especially after recent civic unrest and dissatisfaction over inflation and unemployment.
Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur said, “Local bodies are the foundation of democracy. Delaying elections undermines people’s rights. Instead of strengthening institutions, this government is running away from accountability.”
Government’s Defense
In response, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu defended the government’s move, stating that the decision was taken to ensure better planning, infrastructure, and facilities in the newly created civic bodies before residents are asked to elect representatives.
He stressed that the government is committed to holding free and fair elections once conditions are suitable, and added that the administration is simultaneously working to provide grants, staff, and civic facilities to the new councils.
Political and Civic Implications
Analysts note that the move could impact local governance in Himachal Pradesh, especially in rapidly urbanizing districts such as Kangra, Mandi, and Solan. While the government insists the delay is administrative, opposition parties argue it reflects a lack of preparedness and misplaced priorities.
Civil society groups have expressed concern that the absence of elected representatives will limit accountability in local administration. Residents in several of the new urban bodies have also voiced frustration that they are being taxed without having elected councils to represent their interests.
The bills will now be sent to the Governor for assent. If approved, the state government will have the legal authority to defer polls until 2027 in certain municipal councils and nagar panchayats.
Meanwhile, the State Election Commission has indicated that it will abide by the legislative framework but underlined that elections should not be delayed indefinitely, as this could weaken democratic participation.
