CPI(M) opposes direct mayor election, but backs quota for BCs

CPI(M) opposes direct mayor election, but backs quota for BCs Direct election to the posts of mayor and chairperson will lead to concentration of power, it notes and cautions the administration against rushing through the reservation process to meet deadlines linked to.

Key points

• The CPI(M) leader remarked the 34% reservation for the BCs could be effectively implemented only if the existing 50% ceiling on reservation was removed.
• Srinivasa Rao pressed the NDA allies (TDP, JSP and BJP) to exert pressure on the Centre to bring concerning the necessary constitutional amendment.
• The administration must ensure that the proposed reservation is legally sustainable and effectively implemented, states CPI (M) State secretary V.
• He additionally cautioned the administration against rushing through the reservation process merely to meet deadlines linked to the Finance Commission grants.
• The CPI(M) has resisted the direct election of mayors and chairpersons in the ensuing local body elections.

For context, the administration must ensure that the proposed reservation is legally sustainable and effectively implemented, states CPI (M) State secretary V. Srinivasa Rao. Photo Credit: File Photo.

Meanwhile, the CPI(M) has resisted the direct election of mayors and chairpersons in the ensuing local body elections. It, nevertheless, welcomes the government's decision to provide 34% reservation for the Backward Classes (BCs).

In an official note on Thursday, CPI(M) State secretary V. Srinivasa Rao remarked direct elections to the posts of mayors and chairpersons would undermine the role of the corporators, councillors, and MPTC and ZPTC members. This person were directly connected with the residents. It would lead to concentration of power and weaken the spirit of the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments, he remarked, demanding that the existing system be continued.

Notably, the CPI(M) leader remarked the 34% reservation for the BCs could be effectively implemented only if the existing 50% ceiling on reservation was removed. Referring to the Mishra Commission's observations, he remarked the problem required legislative and constitutional intervention at the national level.

Mr. Srinivasa Rao pressed the NDA allies (TDP, JSP and BJP) to exert pressure on the Centre to bring concerning the necessary constitutional amendment.

He additionally cautioned the administration against rushing through the reservation process merely to meet deadlines linked to the Finance Commission grants. He observed that caste enumeration was being undertaken along with the 2026 Census, and stated its completion could support address a number of social problems.

In practice, the administration must ensure that the proposed reservation was legally sustainable and effectively implemented.

Taken together, the developments around CPI(M) opposes direct mayor election, but backs quota for BCs point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.