BJP and Samajwadi Party at odds over Panchayat elections; Congress also targets the government

BJP and Samajwadi Party at odds over Panchayat elections; Congress also targets the government

Desk: Political activity has intensified in Uttar Pradesh following the Allahabad High Court’s ruling on the Panchayat elections. The High Court has directed the state government and the Election Commission to conduct the Panchayat elections within three months. It has also upheld the decision to allow incumbent village heads (*Gram Pradhans*) to continue as administrators until the elections are held. The BJP asserts that the government is prepared to conduct the elections in accordance with the Election Commission’s directives, while the Samajwadi Party has accused the BJP of attempting to delay the polls out of fear of defeat. The Congress has welcomed the court’s decision, but the question remains: will it be practical to conduct the elections within three months?