In Wanaparthy district, the terms of Mandal Praja Parishads (MPPs) and Zila Parishad (ZPs) are set to end on July 4. However, the State government has not yet started the process of holding elections for new members for these local bodies.
Government sources suggest that special officers may take control of the MPPs and ZP if elections are not held before the due date. The lack of announcement of reservations indicates that elections may be delayed.
There is concern within the ruling party that if the Lok Sabha election results in June do not meet expectations, it could lead to political turmoil and further delay the local body polls. Special officers have already been managing gram panchayats for the past two months.
Before holding the local body elections, the issue of Backward Classes (BCs) demanding an increase in their quota based on population needs to be addressed. The Congress party’s promise to conduct a caste census has raised hopes among BCs for a 42% quota implementation.
There are uncertainties regarding Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy’s decision, especially in light of the KCR government amending the Panchayat Raj Act to limit reservations to ten years (two terms).
