Rajasthan municipal elections begin first phase of voting

The first phase of Rajasthan’s municipal elections commenced on September 9, with voting taking place across 162 urban local bodies, including the municipal corporations of Alwar, Bharatpur, Bhilwara, and Bikaner. Over 5.7 million voters are eligible to cast ballots at 7,683 polling stations to decide the fate of 20,623 candidates contesting 5,393 ward seats.

In response to internal dissent, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has expelled 41 members and workers for six years due to indiscipline, specifically for contesting as independents or campaigning against official party candidates. This disciplinary action includes several former mayors and local officials.

The election for the state’s 309 urban local bodies is being conducted in two phases, with the second phase scheduled for September 11. Results for both phases are expected to be announced on September 14.