GMC term expiring on July 31, poll uncertain

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI, July 21: Even as the present tenure of Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) is going to expire on July 31 this year uncertainty is looming over its election. As soon as the ongoing NRC update process is completed, the State Election Commission will be occupied with the next Panchayat election in the State. The GMC election is likely to be pushed to the back burner.

Notably, following the order issued by the Gauhati High Court recently, the State Government has to conduct the Panchayat election within September, though it was to be held in May last.

Earlier, the GMC election was held in 2003. Headed by Abir Patra as Guwahati Mayor, the tenure of the civic body was lasted till 2007. However, from 2007 onwards till 2013, no election was conducted for the GMC for various reasons. After several years, during the Congress regime, the last GMC election was held in 2013. On the other hand, as soon as the BJP came to power at Dispur, the GMC was occupied by the representatives of the new regime in 2016 and Mrigen Sarania became its Mayor. Accordingly, the present body of the GMC held its last governing body meeting on July 20. Speculations are on as to what will happen to the council after July 31.

The GMC election has been conducted for as many as 31 wards that represent 31 councilors and 90 Area Sabha members.