Rajasthan political dispute erupts over municipal board formation allegations

Political tensions have escalated in Rajasthan following the recent urban local body elections. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to plunder democracy by using bribes and threats to form municipal boards.

Gehlot alleged that an IAS officer from the Chief Minister’s Office has been threatening collectors and SDMs to ensure BJP boards are formed. He further claimed that crores of rupees are being distributed as bribes to independent and opposition councillors to secure positions such as chairmen and mayors, suggesting these costs will eventually be recovered through corruption in public works projects.

In response, Rajasthan BJP President Madan Rathore denied the allegations of influencing independent councillors. Rathore stated that the party respects democracy and does not restrict freedom, noting that independent councillors are free to make their own decisions regarding party affiliation. He accused the Congress party of using such allegations as a tactic and suggested that any restrictions on choice would be contrary to democratic principles.