PANJIM: The Congress Legislative Party (CLP) on Thursday resolved not to contest the upcoming Zilla Panchayat elections on party lines, alleging that there is no level-playing field.
Addressing media persons after the CLP meeting, Leader of Opposition Digamber Kamat said that the party had initially decided to contest the polls on party lines; however, we now have no such intention.
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“There is no level-playing field in the ZP election. Till date, the reservation of wards has not been announced. There is complete match-fixing by BJP to ensure its victory,” Kamat said.
“Hence, CLP has resolved not to contest the ZP elections on party lines but to support the workers as independent candidates,” former chief minister said.
Kamat said that the decision of CLP will be conveyed to party President Girish Chodankar.
Congress had decided to contest the ZP election on party symbol in 42-44 seats, while to support independent candidates in other wards.
Pointing to the delay in reservation of wards, Kamat recalled that former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar had assured on the Floor of the House that government will undertake necessary amendment to the Panchayati Raj Act to empower State Election Commission to undertake reservation and delimitation of wards.
“However, the same has not been done. The panchayat department continues to hold the right over reservation. This is highly not acceptable. It is a complete match-fix by BJP,” he charged.
