UNCERTAINTY LOOMS OVER T'GANA LOCAL BODY POLLS

EMOCRACY in action often resembles a carnival, especially during local body elections. Yet, the state election commission's announcement of Telangana's five-phase election schedule, spanning October 9 to 11, was met with a muted rather than euphoric response.

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A cloud of uncertainty now hangs over the electoral process, largely triggered by the state government issuing a government order mandating a 42 percent quota for backward classes (BC), even as a related bill awaits the Governor's approval. The problem is not the reservation per se. The matter has already reached the High Court and the Supreme Court, and, based on past experience, it appears likely that the quota hike is unsustainable.

Irrespective of the outcome, the question is whether parties and the public are willing to join the contest in right earnest.