Commission Member Secretary Krishna Kumar Singh said that the study of reports received from districts has been completed, and a team from St. Xavier’s College has submitted its preliminary findings to the commission.
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The long-pending process for holding municipal elections in Jharkhand appears to be moving forward, with the State OBC Commission preparing to submit its triple test report to the government.
Commission Member Secretary Krishna Kumar Singh said that the study of reports received from districts has been completed, and a team from St. Xavier’s College has submitted its preliminary findings to the commission. The report is being finalised and will be placed before the commission’s chairperson Janaki Yadav and other members on Tuesday, August 19. After review, the final version will be sent to the state government. Singh added that the college’s draft contained minor errors, which are being corrected before submission.
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The development comes as the Jharkhand High Court has directed the Chief Secretary to appear in person on August 25 during the hearing of a contempt case related to municipal elections filed by Roshni Khalkho. The court had earlier expressed displeasure over delays linked to the OBC triple test exercise. The state government is now under pressure to complete the process before the hearing.
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However, the post of State Election Commissioner has remained vacant since March 25, when the tenure of D. K. Tiwari ended. The appointment to this position will be required before elections can be notified.
Political parties have been engaged in a prolonged tussle over the issue. The ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha has indicated that municipal polls could be held after Durga Puja once OBC representation is ensured. Party spokesperson Manoj Pandey said the commission is ready to submit its report, clearing the way for the process.
The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party, meanwhile, has accused the government of misleading both the public and the judiciary. BJP spokesperson Rafia Naz said the government keeps shifting its stance on the OBC triple test and the conduct of elections, raising doubts about its intentions.
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