Rajasthan municipal elections spark political maneuvering and disputes

Political maneuvering has intensified in Rajasthan following the municipal elections as parties compete for mayoral and chairperson positions. In Ajmer, authorities rejected a BJP objection regarding Congress candidate Kiran Gadwal’s nomination, which had been based on alleged outstanding municipal dues. This leaves a direct contest between Gadwal and BJP’s Anamika Sharma.

In Bhilwara, BJP’s Jaswant Kanwar is set to be elected unopposed as mayor after independent candidate Santosh Kanwar withdrew her nomination. The BJP maintains a strong presence in the Bhilwara Municipal Corporation with 45 councillors.

Controversies regarding the movement of councillors have also emerged. In Khairthal, a complaint was filed alleging the forced abduction of Congress councillor Bhagwan Das. Meanwhile, in Karauli, an FIR was filed regarding the alleged kidnapping of newly elected Congress councillor Usman Khan; however, Khan later released a video stating he had left of his own volition and denied the kidnapping allegations.