Ranchi: Accusing the Hemant Soren-led government of undermining democracy, BJP state spokesperson Pratul Shah Deo on Tuesday alleged that the delay in municipal elections is a calculated move to sideline elected representatives and allow corruption and bureaucracy to dominate.
“The intent of the Hemant government is not to strengthen democracy but to weaken it,” Pratul said, claiming that the government’s approach to municipal elections has been suspicious and deliberately obstructive. “The triple test process was conveniently delayed to postpone the elections, exposing the government’s lack of will to ensure backward classes receive their constitutional rights.”
Citing multiple High Court orders, Pratul pointed out that on January 4, 2024, the Jharkhand High Court had clearly directed the state to conduct municipal elections within three weeks and not use the “triple test” as an excuse. The state government’s appeal against this decision was dismissed, with the division bench upholding the single bench’s order.
Further, he said the court had again, on January 16, 2025, ordered that elections must be completed by May 2025 in all municipal bodies whose terms expired by April 2023. “Even after these repeated judicial interventions, the government has failed to act,” Pratul stated.
He highlighted that the High Court has on multiple occasions criticized the state government for its negligence and disregard for constitutional norms. “Today, during the hearing, the court once again expressed deep displeasure over the state’s delaying tactics and remarked that paralyzing democratic institutions is a serious offense. The court has now asked the government to present a roadmap for conducting the elections in the next hearing.”
Calling for immediate action, Pratul Shah Deo demanded that the government announce the election schedule without further delay and ensure reservation for backward classes. “BJP demands that Hemant Soren comply with the court’s directives and take concrete steps to protect democracy. Further postponement will not be tolerated.”