Rajasthan municipal elections see high turnout amid fraud allegations

The municipal elections in Rajasthan have concluded their first and second phases, with significant voter turnout reported. In the first phase, turnout reached 76.41 percent, while the second phase saw 70.01 percent participation. BJP State President Madan Rathore expressed gratitude to the voters, noting that the high engagement demonstrates faith in the democratic process and the importance of local governance for infrastructure and public services.

However, the second phase, which covered 147 municipal bodies including Jaipur, was marked by several controversies. Allegations of fraudulent voting surfaced in multiple locations, with some voters claiming their votes had been cast before they arrived at the polling stations. In Jaipur's Ward 62, candidates filed formal complaints alleging that approximately 150 votes were cast using shifted voters' names.

Physical altercations also occurred during the voting process. In Chirawa, supporters of different candidates clashed, resulting in injuries. In Sadulshahar, an independent candidate reported being assaulted by supporters of a local legislator. Following these incidents, security forces were deployed to maintain order at various polling stations as authorities investigate the claims of misconduct.