AP local polls: code of conduct comes into force, SC rejects plea

The Supreme Court has dismissed the Andhra Pradesh government's plea to postpone panchayat polls - due next month - because of the Covid pandemic, pointing out that even larger electoral exercises had been successfully held despite far more difficult conditions. The court also refused to let itself get caught in an "ego battle" and expressed disappointment over resolutions against the State Election Commissioner, N Ramesh Kumar, who had ordered the polls to be held as per schedule.

A bench of Justices SK Kaul and Hrishikesh Roy said that ego problems between two authorities is leading to lawlessness. We cannot allow lawlessness... how can resolutions be passed against N Ramesh Kumar? We cannot be part of this ego battle... we can't take over the jobs of everyone. The SEC, who is due to retire by April, and the state government have been at odds over the polls. The state wanted the polls to be held at the start of the pandemic, but the SEC was against it. he Supreme Court said some decisions had to be made on administrative grounds.
Following the Supreme Court order, the SEC said the model code of conduct had come into force and directed ministers not to be associated with distribution of welfare benefits in rural areas, so as not to affect voters.

 In May, the ruling YSR Congress removed him, alleging his actions were politically motivated, but the state government last the case in the AP High Court and  
 at Court's urder Kumar was reinstated.The Andhra Pradesh government had moved the Supreme Court after an order by the Division Bench of the High Court last week allowed polls to proceed. The state questioned Mr Kumar's medical expertise to take such a decision as a vaccination drive is underway. The petition also said the state police, needed to ensure fair conduct of elections, was also required to ensure storage and transport of vaccines.The local body elections are due to be held in four phases - on February 5, 9, 13 and 17.