Assam: CEC Says Discussions On Delimitation With Political Parties, Organisations Fruitful

GUWAHATI: The Chief Election Commissioner of India Rajiv Kumar on Tuesday informed that almost all organisations consulted on the upcoming delimitation process of Assam’s constituencies supported the move.

CEC Rajiv Kumar said at a press conference that although most organisations extended their support on the delimitation, certain questions were also pointed out by them.

The most common questions, the CEC said, were related to the process were why it was being carried out on the basis of the 2001 census and not the latest one, which may be the 2021 census. Other questions raised by the organisations related to the NRC and as to why the delimitation was not being carried out by a delimitation commission.

Kumar informed that the Election Commission of India (ECI) team which arrived in Guwahati on Sunday to meet political parties and organisations on the delimitation process met at least nine political parties, comprising both national and regional, along with at least 60 organisations.

Although the team met most of the political parties, the opposition Congress in Assam did not meet them despite two invitations extended to the party.

The CEC also informed that ‘very good suggestions and comments’ on the process were given by all the organisations consulted. “We noted all the suggestions by the organisations and these were very helpful to us”, he added.

Kumar added that the district magistrates and commissioners were also asked to convey to the ECI the expectations or recommendations of the people or organisations who could not meet the ECI team in Guwahati.

Consultation is the key and the process will be carried out with disclosure, Kumar further said, adding, “This would be to eliminate all rumours and ensure that everyone is heard.”

Assam was supposed to go through a delimitation in 2008 under the Delimitation Act 2002 but it was deferred due to some reasons, the CEC went on to inform. However, in 2020, the President of India gave ECI the green signal for the delimitation process to be restarted.

Kumar also added that the 2001 Census has been set as the base year since it was based on Section 170 (B) of the Indian Constitution.

While the team had already met several organisations during the visit here, they are planning to meet more or seek suggestions after a conclusion on the process is reached. Kumar said suggestions would be accepted till April 15, 2023.

The process of delimitation would be carried out while safeguarding the interests of various communities in the state, he added.

Also Read: Assam: APCC Sees No Point In Meeting ECI Team For Delimitation Process Talks

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