Rajasthan municipal elections: Ward reservation lotteries completed

Municipal election preparations are intensifying across Rajasthan following the completion of ward reservation lotteries for several urban local bodies. In Jaipur, the lottery for 150 wards has established a landscape where 50 wards are reserved for women, 30 for OBC, 20 for SC, and 6 for ST. This has prompted significant political activity, with approximately 200 former councilors preparing to contest again and seeking necessary documentation such as No Objection Certificates (NOCs).

Similar reservation processes have been finalized in Udaipur, where 80 wards were categorized, including 16 reserved for women, and the Mayor's post was designated as unreserved. In Ajmer, the lottery for 80 wards has shifted political dynamics, particularly as the Municipal Corporation President post is reserved for women in the general category. In Jhunjhunu, 180 out of 359 wards have been reserved for women.

However, the election process faces legal scrutiny. Congress leader Sanyam Lodha has threatened contempt proceedings in the Rajasthan High Court following the postponement of the Panchayati Raj ward reservation lottery. While urban local body lotteries have been completed, the delay in the lottery for Pradhans, Panchayat Samiti members, and Sarpanchs has led to legal challenges regarding the state's compliance with court-ordered timelines.