Jaipur, September 14, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Former Rajasthan Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot on Monday accused the BJP of allegedly misusing the police and administrative machinery to influence the formation of municipal boards and secure Mayoral posts following the recent urban local body election results.
In a statement, Gehlot alleged that the BJP was “rattled” by its performance and was now using pressure tactics to win over Independent and Congress councillors in closely contested municipal corporations, particularly Jodhpur and Alwar.
Gehlot claimed that the BJP had already suffered setbacks in the municipal corporations of Pali, Bikaner, Ajmer and Bharatpur and was now attempting to prevent similar outcomes in Jodhpur and Alwar by allegedly using the police to intimidate elected representatives.
He also criticised the conduct of the urban local body elections, alleging that the ruling party had resorted to arbitrary delimitation and deployed government machinery to its advantage. He further referred to roadshows led by Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma during the campaign.
Despite these efforts, Gehlot claimed, the BJP failed to secure a decisive advantage in several municipal corporations.
According to the Congress leader, the BJP is now focusing on Independent and Congress councillors in corporations where the numbers are closely balanced and where their support could determine the formation of the municipal government and the election of the Mayor.
Gehlot urged the police and district administration to ensure that no partisan action was taken against elected representatives. He also warned officials against becoming involved in any attempt to influence councillors through intimidation, pressure or coercion.
“The Congress views this matter with the utmost seriousness,” Gehlot said, adding that officials found involved in any such alleged improper conduct would be held accountable.
The allegations come at a crucial stage in Rajasthan’s municipal politics, with political parties seeking to consolidate their numbers following the election results.
In closely contested corporations such as Jodhpur, where the BJP and Congress have emerged with nearly identical numbers, Independent councillors could play a decisive role in determining the final composition of the municipal board.
No response from the BJP to Gehlot’s allegations was cited in the statement.
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