Political Drama Unfolds Amid Rajasthan Urban Body Elections
Political tensions have once again skyrocketed in Rajasthan as urban local body elections witness high-voltage drama, missing councillors, and fierce clashes. Voting and counting for 273 urban bodies across the state are taking place simultaneously, with results expected by the end of the day. Mayoral elections are underway in major cities including Udaipur, Bikaner, Ajmer, Pali, and Alwar, alongside numerous municipal councils and boards.
However, the smooth conduct of the electoral process has been overshadowed by dramatic allegations of horse-trading and intimidation, particularly from the Tijara region, where political temperatures have reached a boiling point.
Congress Claims 18 Councillors Missing Near Haryana Border
In a major development, the opposition Congress party has claimed that 18 of its councillors, who were stationed in Himachal Pradesh, were returning to Rajasthan through Haryana when they mysteriously went missing. Congress leaders alleged that the ruling party is attempting to intercept and coerce their elected representatives to manipulate the board formation process.
Haryana Police have denied any such detentions or involvement within their jurisdiction. Despite the denial, Congress has escalated the matter legally, approaching the Rajasthan High Court to ensure the safety and recovery of its members.
High Court Steps In, Directs Bhiwadi ADM to Submit Report
Taking immediate cognisance of the petition filed by Congress, the Rajasthan High Court directed the Additional District Magistrate (ADM) of Bhiwadi to conduct a thorough inquiry into the matter and submit a formal report directly to the State Election Commission. The judicial intervention has added intense legal pressure on the local administration.
Clashes Outside Ajmer Counting Center
Simultaneously, tension flared up outside the Ajmer Municipal Corporation counting center. A heated verbal altercation broke out between BJP and Congress workers after BJP leaders strongly objected to the entry of former Dehat Congress District President Bhupendra Rathore alongside Congress councillors.
The situation quickly escalated, prompting local authorities to deploy heavy police forces to maintain law and order and prevent any physical confrontation between party workers.
Opposition Slams Ruling Party Over Misuse of Power
Senior Congress leaders slammed the ruling dispensation, accusing them of misusing state machinery to alter election outcomes. Pratap Singh Khachariyawas alleged that the ruling party is unable to digest defeat and is resorting to unfair means to capture local bodies.
"The ruling party is undermining democratic norms and trying to win civic polls through muscle power. Our councillors are being harassed, but we will fight this legally and politically." — Pratap Singh Khachariyawas, Congress Leader
Conclusion
With high stakes in urban local body polls across Rajasthan, the disappearance of councillors and subsequent legal battles have turned these elections into a massive political battleground. All eyes are now on the Election Commission and judicial directives as the final results unfold.
