HYDERABAD: The commencement of the much-awaited maiden session of the revived Legislative Council is likely to be delayed till completion of the counting of votes polled in the Local Authorities Constituencies (LACs).

The Government had initially planned that the Council session should commence on April 2 with the swearing-in of the newly elected and nominated members followed by the Governor's address to the joint session of the Council and the Assembly the next day. However, this appears to be unlikely as the Election Commission's inquiry into the allegations of open ballot and companion voting reported from eight districts is still in progress.

`Situation changed'

"It was earlier decided to summon the Council on April 2 since the poll process would have come to a close by March 28 under normal circumstances. But, the situation has changed now," a senior official said. Moreover, the Election Commission has put a halt to the moves to commence the session with available members raising certain objections.

According to senior officials, the EC officials are likely to complete the public hearings on March 28 after which they will have to prepare a report on their findings and forward it to the Chief Election Commissioner. The CEC would, thereafter, scrutinise the report thoroughly before arriving at a final decision.

"Under these circumstances, counting of LAC votes is likely to be held only after April 1 provided the Election Commission does not order re-poll in any of the eight districts," official said.

Contacted by The Hindu , Chief Electoral Officer V. Bhaskar said it was up to the EC that is inquiring into the alleged irregularities to take a decision on the matter.

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