Which of the following statements is/are correct ? 1. The elections to the Panchayat are conducted by the State Election Commission. 2. The State Election Commissioner is appointed by the Chief Election Commissioner of India. 3. The State Legislatures have the power to make laws on all matters relating to Panchayat elections. Select the correct answer using the code given below :

Statement 1 is correct as Article 243K vests the superintendence, direction, and control of Panchayat elections in the State Election Commission [1]. Statement 2 is incorrect because the State Election Commissioner is appointed by the Governor of the state, not the Chief Election Commissioner of India [3]. The Election Commission of India is only responsible for Parliament and State Legislature elections [3]. Statement 3 is correct as Article 243K(4) explicitly empowers the State Legislature to make laws regarding all matters relating to, or in connection with, elections to the Panchayats. This includes provisions for the preparation of electoral rolls and the conduct of elections, provided they do not conflict with constitutional mandates [1]. Therefore, only statements 1 and 3 are accurate.

Sources

1. [1] Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 18: PANCHAYATS > Panchayat Finance Commissions. > p. 321
2. [3] Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 43: Election Commission > CHAPTER " Election Commission > p. 419
3. [2] Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 80: Elections > ELECTION MACHINERy3, > p. 573