Jaipur, Sep 14 (IANS) Former Rajasthan Chief Minister and veteran Congress leader Ashok Gehlot on Monday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of misusing the police and administrative machinery to influence the formation of municipal boards and secure Mayoral posts following the recent urban local body election results announced earlier in the day.
In a statement, Gehlot alleged that the BJP was “rattled” by its performance in the municipal elections and was now attempting to use pressure tactics to win over Independent and Congress Councillors in Jodhpur and Alwar.
According to the former Chief Minister, the BJP had already faced setbacks in the Pali, Bikaner, Ajmer and Bharatpur municipal corporations, and was now trying to prevent similar outcomes in Jodhpur and Alwar by allegedly using the police to intimidate Councillors.
Gehlot also targeted the BJP over the manner in which the urban poll elections were conducted.
He alleged that the ruling party had resorted to arbitrary delimitation, used the entire government machinery to its advantage and deployed Chief Minister (Bhajan Lal Sharma)-led roadshows during the election campaign.
Despite these efforts, Gehlot claimed, the BJP failed to secure a clear advantage in several municipal corporations.
The former Chief Minister alleged that the BJP was now focusing on Independent Councillors and Congress Councillors in closely contested corporations, where their support could prove decisive in determining who forms the municipal government and captures the Mayoral post.
Gehlot called upon the police and district administration to ensure that no partisan action was taken against elected representatives.
He warned government officials against becoming involved in any attempt to influence Councillors through intimidation, pressure or coercion.
“The Congress views this matter with the utmost seriousness,” Gehlot said, adding that officials found involved in such alleged improper conduct would be held accountable.
The allegations come at a crucial stage in Rajasthan’s municipal politics, with parties seeking to consolidate their numbers after the election results.
In closely fought corporations such as Jodhpur, where the BJP and Congress have emerged with almost identical numbers, Independent Councillors could play a critical role in determining the final composition of the municipal board.
The BJP has not, in the statement cited by Gehlot, been shown to have responded to the allegations.
