THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Corporation community hall at Attipra witnessed unruly scenes on Monday morning when Kudumbashree women who had gathered for the elections to the Community Development Society (CDS) were told that the poll had been postponed as soon as the election procedures began.
The women blocked the returning officer and demanded to see the government order postponing the elections. It was after the order was brought to the venue by a clerk from the office of the Deputy Collector that the women dispersed.
While the CDS elections were scheduled for January 16 to 19 earlier, the polls were postponed on Sunday by the State Government as there were many complaints regarding the Area Development Society (ADS) elections which concluded last week.
However, this was not properly communicated to the CDS units. According to the councillor of Attipra, M S Sangeetha, they had contacted the Collector and Deputy Collector late on Sunday night and even then, the officials had given the nod for the conduct of elections.
‘’The officials said they have not received any official communication in this regard. The returning officer (RO) arrived at the right time and there were nearly 161 voters present. It was when the procedures began that there was a phone call to the RO saying the elections have been postponed. It is utterly confusing and irresponsible on the part of the Government,’’ CPM councillor Sangeetha said.
The postponement of the ADS elections in a similar manner on the eve of the elections (January 9) had created the same confusion in many places in the state.
‘’We were told about the dates two week earlier. So, we took leave and came for the elections. Besides, the elections had to be completed by November and new office-bearers elected by December 1. It’s already a month late and more delayed,’’ said a CDS voter.
The RO, who was getting ready to leave after announcing the postponement of the elections, was surrounded by the women. On their insistence, the councillor and other CPM local leaders who reached the spot demanded to see the written order. Finally, the order was brought. It read that the elections have been postponed and would be held from January 21 to 24.