Assam: ECI invites Congress to join meeting over delimitation exercise

Guwahati: The Indian National Congress (INC) has been invited to attend a conference about the ongoing Delimitation process by the Election Commission of India (ECI) on March 27.

The electoral commission met today in Guwahati with more than 55 groups and 10 nationally and state-recognized political parties.

”As the ECI places high value on the viewpoints of a National Political Party, I am directed by the Commission to once again extend the invitation and request you to join the ongoing consultations. To this end, any time convenient today or, by 1:00 PM tomorrow, would be facilitated,” said Lakhinandan Saharia, Joint CEO, Assam in a letter dated March 27.

He added that the ECI granted time in Delhi in January 2023 to the Indian National Congress (INC) and the Bodoland Peoples’ Committee on the Delimitation of Assembly and Parliamentary Constituencies in BAD, Assam.

”All the points made in your representation were duly noted by the ECI,” he added. 

After that, the Commission agreed to consult with all parties, including political parties, people’s representatives, civil society organisations, etc., in accordance with Saharia.

”In order to reach out to wider stakeholders and make it easier for them, the Commission decided to come to Guwahati from 26th to 28th March 2023 and issued an open invitation through a press release. Right now, the Commission is in the process of hearing over 50 stakeholders in addition to 10 National and State Political Parties at Guwahati. It is in this context and in respect to your request dated 22.03.2023 to meet the Commission at Delhi that an immediate time was given to your Party to meet the Commission on 27.03.2023 at Guwahati,” he said.

”As the Commission has received /is receiving several representations raising issues or giving suggestions, a point-to-point a-priori clarification of the nature being insisted would not be feasible,” he added.

Moreover, he stated that the Commission is currently gathering input, opinions, and suggestions.