EC preparing for Rajya Sabha polls in MP with social distancing

BHOPAL: With Lockdown 4.0 nearing an end, the Election Commission is assessing the possibility of conducting Rajya Sabha elections in all states including, three seats of Madhya Pradesh. Sources disclosed that EC could conduct Rajya Sabha polls in June end of first week of July following strict social distancing norms to prevent Covid-19 spread.
"The election commission is reviewing the situation in every state whether it would be appropriate to conduct Rajya Sabha polls in the coming months.We are ready with the ballot papers and other formalities. We are looking forward to the instructions by the election commission to follow the guidelines amid coronavirus crisis," returning officer and principal secretary of Vidhan Sabha, AP Singh told TOI.
On social distancing norms during voting for the Rajya Sabha elections, he said the election commission will decide on the place and how to follow strict social distancing norms. "We have to change the venue of the polling station as it is necessary to maintain a minimum 2 meter distance between the voters. We are waiting for the EC guidelines on this too," said Singh.
On Wednesday, newly appointed chief election officer (CEO) of Madhya Pradesh, Veera Rana, reviewed the poll preparations in Vidhan Sabha and spoke to the officials on the possibility to conduct safe polls in view of Covid-19 outbreak. Sources said that the EC has also asked the states to file detailed reports poll preparations and arrangements made for the safety of the MLAs.
Madhya Pradesh will witness a tough battle in the Rajya Sabha polls with four contestants in fray for three seats. The Congress has announced former chief minister Digvijaya Singh and SC leader Phool Singh Baraiya as party candidates. From the other side, BJP has declared former union minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and a professor from Khargone, Sumer Singh Solanki, as nominees.
At present, MP Vidhan Sabha has a strength of 206 members with BJP having an upper edge with 107 MLAs followed by Congress with 92 MLAs. There are four Independent members, two from BSP and one from Samajwadi Party in the House. Of the total, 230 seats, 24 seats are vacant, 22 due to resignation of Scindia supporters and two following the demise of members.