Gehlot claims Congress wave ahead of Rajasthan civic polls, accuses BJP govt of using machinery
Former Rajasthan chief minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday claimed there was a strong wave of support for the Congress ahead of the upcoming urban local body elections in the state and alleged that the BJP government was using the administrative machinery to influence the polls.
Elections to all 309 urban local bodies in Rajasthan will be held in two phases on September 9 and 11, with counting scheduled for September 14.
In a statement, Gehlot said the alleged failures of the BJP government, coupled with the Congress organisation's presence at the district, block, mandal and ward levels, had created a favourable atmosphere for the party.
"Reports coming in from every street and locality indicate that the Congress is heading towards a record victory in all 10 municipal corporations," he claimed, saying the party was gaining support even in cities traditionally considered BJP strongholds.
Gehlot alleged that the BJP government had earlier delayed the civic elections because of fears of defeat and was now attempting to influence the electoral process after being directed to hold the polls following a High Court reprimand.
He further alleged that the chief minister had previously summoned district collectors and superintendents of police and pressured them to support the BJP. According to Gehlot, similar pressure was now being exerted from the Chief Minister's Office down to the sub-divisional officer level.
"The people have already made up their minds and no administrative pressure can change that mandate," he said.
Gehlot urged government officials to perform their duties impartially and in accordance with the Constitution. He also warned that officials found violating rules would be held accountable if the Congress returned to power.
The former chief minister said the Congress was confident of performing strongly across the state and urged voters to exercise their franchise without being influenced by administrative pressure.
(Inputs from PTI)