BJP Alleges Congress Trying to ‘Hijack’ Himachal Local Body Polls, Seeks Governor’s Intervention

The political atmosphere in Himachal Pradesh has intensified after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused the ruling Congress government of attempting to influence ongoing urban local body and panchayat elections in the state. The opposition party on Monday approached Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, alleging serious violations of the election model code of conduct.

A BJP delegation led by state president Rajeev Bindal and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur marched to Lok Bhawan and submitted a memorandum demanding the Governor’s intervention in the matter.

BJP Accuses Congress of Influencing Local Elections

Addressing the media after meeting the Governor, Rajeev Bindal alleged that the Congress government was making last-minute administrative and procedural changes to influence the outcome of the elections.

According to the BJP, reservation rosters were being altered and additional powers were allegedly being granted to Deputy Commissioners during the election process. The party claimed these decisions could impact the fairness and transparency of the polls.

Bindal said the ruling Congress government was “trying to hijack the elections” after sensing public dissatisfaction and possible defeat in the local body polls. He further alleged that such actions were an insult to the democratic mandate of voters.

Jai Ram Thakur Raises Concerns Over ‘Political Pressure’

Former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur also accused the state government of violating established norms and procedures during the election process. He claimed that administrative mechanisms were being used to influence elected representatives in favour of the Congress party.

Thakur stated that the BJP had already performed strongly in previous municipal elections, winning 25 out of 28 Municipal Councils and 12 out of 22 Nagar Panchayats across the state.

The BJP leaders further alleged that changes in rules related to the election of Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons in local bodies had increased the discretionary powers of Deputy Commissioners, potentially opening the door for political pressure and horse-trading.

BJP Objects to Financial Announcements During Poll Period

The opposition party also criticised the Congress government over alleged financial announcements made during the election period. BJP leaders claimed that Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced monetary benefits for areas supporting Congress candidates, calling it a direct violation of the model code of conduct.

The BJP additionally objected to the state Cabinet’s reported decision regarding financial assistance of Rs 15,000 for women during the poll period, alleging that such announcements could influence voters ahead of the elections.

Panchayat Elections Underway in Himachal Pradesh

Polling for 51 urban local bodies in Himachal Pradesh was held on March 17, while the panchayat elections are currently being conducted in three phases on May 26, 28, and 30.

With political tensions rising ahead of the remaining voting phases, the allegations made by the BJP are expected to further heat up the political battle between the Congress and the opposition in the hill state.

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