Kerala Governor Sends Back Ordinances On Ward Delimitation 'Due To Model Code Of Conduct'

These ordinances, which were cleared by the state Cabinet led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, aimed to amend the Kerala Panchayati Raj Act, 1994, and the Kerala Municipality Act, 1994.

Citing the enforcement of the model code of conduct for the Lok Sabha polls, the Governor returned the ordinances to the government. ( Image Source :X/@KeralaGovernor )

Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan has sent back the ordinances endorsed by the state Cabinet, which sought to redefine ward boundaries in local bodies and boost their numbers, citing the implementation of model code of conduct. On Wednesday, officials said that the Governor sent back the ordinances received on Tuesday back to the state Chief Secretary.

Citing the enforcement of the model code of conduct for the Lok Sabha polls, the Governor returned the ordinances to the government. A source stated that he emphasised the necessity of the Election Commission's consent for the approval of the ordinances. 

These ordinances, which were cleared by the state Cabinet led by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, aimed to amend the Kerala Panchayati Raj Act, 1994, and the Kerala Municipality Act, 1994, in preparation for the upcoming local body elections scheduled for 2025.

These amendments were intended to adjust ward boundaries and numbers in proportion to the population based on the 2011 census, as reported by PTI.

The Vijayan government intends to seek clearance from the Election Commission of India for its proposed plan, after which Governor Khan is expected to approve it. Under this ordinance, the total number of wards in the 2025 local elections will rise from approximately 21,900 to 23,100.

Presently, the state comprises 1,200 local bodies, including 941 grama panchayats, 152 block panchayats, 14 district panchayats, 87 municipalities, and six corporations.

The ordinance mandates the State Election Commission to undertake delimitation to incorporate an additional 1,200 wards. A committee to be established under the State Election Commissioner must submit its report within six months. The last comprehensive delimitation occurred in 2010, with a limited exercise conducted in 2015.

The opposition, led by Congress, has criticised the Chief Minister for failing to involve them and stated that the Vijayan government did not engage in any customary discussions with them.