Ashok Gehlot voices concern over conduct of civic polls in Rajasthan

Jaipur: Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has expressed concern over the conduct of the recently concluded Urban Local Body elections, saying the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government relied heavily on administrative and police machinery to secure control of municipal boards.

In a statement, Gehlot said the ruling party had gone beyond accepted democratic practices in its efforts to form boards. He described the developments as troubling, noting that they raised questions about fairness in the electoral process.

Gehlot alleged that individual councillors were offered inducements, while Congress councillors faced notices, police summons and other forms of pressure.

He also claimed that police personnel from neighbouring states were present during the election period and pointed out that the Rajasthan High Court had to hold late-night hearings on petitions related to the polls.

The former Chief Minister cautioned that such practices could set a precedent ahead of the Panchayat elections.

He said bureaucrats and police officers, who are generally expected to remain neutral, appeared to have acted in ways that favoured the ruling party.

He added that accountability would eventually be sought for actions that undermined democratic norms.

Gehlot further remarked that the use of money and official machinery risked eroding public trust in institutions.

He urged Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma to ensure that future elections are conducted in a manner that strengthens confidence in democratic processes.

The comments come as the Congress prepares for the Panchayat elections, with the civic poll results already sparking political debate in the state.

Gehlot’s statement indicates that the party intends to highlight concerns about the use of state machinery in the run-up to the next round of elections.

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