Jaipur, September 21, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
A political controversy erupted hours before the Tijara Municipal Council chairperson election on Monday after Congress leaders alleged that around 18 councillors supporting the party were detained by Haryana Police while returning to Rajasthan from Himachal Pradesh.
Congress leaders claimed the councillors were intercepted late on Sunday night near the Chandimandir (Surajpur) toll plaza in Haryana while returning from Himachal Pradesh, where they had been staying together ahead of the crucial vote.
The allegations triggered a protest outside the Pinjore police station, with Congress leaders and supporters staging a sit-in seeking information about the councillors and the circumstances surrounding their alleged detention.
Tijara Congress leader Imran Khan alleged that a bus carrying the councillors, accompanied by several other vehicles, was stopped by Haryana Police near the Surajpur toll plaza. He further alleged that some police vehicles did not have visible number plates, while registration plates on others were covered.
Khan claimed the councillors and their vehicles were taken to the Pinjore police station. He put the number of Congress-backed councillors allegedly taken away at around 18-19 and said party leaders were waiting outside the station seeking their release.
Former Tijara MLA Sandeep Yadav, who was reportedly travelling with the group, also released a video alleging police intervention. Yadav claimed the action was politically motivated and alleged that the BJP was concerned about the possibility of Congress forming the municipal board in Tijara. Congress leaders said Yadav was subsequently released while the councillors remained at the centre of the dispute.
The allegations have not been independently established.
Tijara DSP Shivraj Singh said police were examining the matter. He said Congress leaders had complained that their councillors had travelled together and were intercepted by Haryana Police while returning. The officer said police were attempting to ascertain which Haryana Police unit had stopped the group and were verifying the complaint before taking appropriate legal action.
The Tijara Municipal Council has 35 wards, with 18 votes required to secure a majority. According to available election data, independents won 31 seats, while the BJP won three and Congress one.
With independents holding the overwhelming majority of seats, their support has become crucial to the chairperson contest. Congress leaders claim that 17 independents have extended support to their side, taking its claimed strength to 18, the majority mark. The party subsequently moved the councillors together ahead of the election.
Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also raised the issue, alleging that the Haryana Police action was intended to prevent councillors from participating in the election.
Gehlot claimed that Congress councillors travelling to vote had been stopped in Haryana and alleged that Yadav had also been taken into custody. He further alleged that the councillors had been identified using photographs already available with the Haryana Police and separated from other party workers.
Calling the alleged action targeted rather than routine checking, Gehlot urged the Rajasthan and Haryana governments to ensure that the councillors were allowed to travel according to their wishes. He also called on the State Election Commission to take necessary steps, alleging that the episode amounted to interference in the election process.
The allegations made by Gehlot and other Congress leaders have not been independently established, while police have said the matter remains under verification.
If the alleged detention is confirmed, it could directly affect Monday’s chairperson election because the post is elected indirectly by the councillors. Congress leaders have expressed concern that the councillors may not reach Tijara in time to vote.
The controversy has added to the closely watched contest, with attention now focused on whether the councillors will be able to return to Tijara and participate in the election.
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