Jaipur: Former chief minister Ashok Gehlot and PCC chief Govind Singh Dotasra Monday accused BJP govt of deploying police, administrative machinery and money power to influence newly elected councillors and “steal” the mandate in Rajasthan’s ongoing urban local body (ULB) elections.Gehlot took to social media platform X, voicing his concerns over BJP’s approach, which he characterised as crossing “all limits of dishonesty and shamelessness.” He asserted BJP govt used state resources to allegedly influence the newly elected councillors, claiming that some individuals were offered bribes of up to Rs 2 crore.Gehlot further alleged that Congress councillors were targeted through a mix of administrative and police action, including notices declaring houses illegal, sealing of establishments, registration of fresh police cases and summons to appear before police. He claimed that police were sent to camps where Congress councillors were staying and that some were forcibly taken away.
Tikaram Jully, KC Venugopal and Govind Singh Dotasara at PCC in Jaipur, Rajasthan on 21 September 2026
The ex-CM even alleged involvement of police from Uttar Pradesh and Haryana in influencing the outcome in Rajasthan, comparing the situation to the infamous electoral misconduct previously witnessed in West Bengal. “What we had seen there—horse trading and the misuse of agencies—has now openly emerged in our own state,” Gehlot wrote.Gehlot named specific locations, including Tijara and Hanumangarh, where he claimed the polling day incidents constituted a direct attack on democracy itself. He questioned the integrity of govt officials who, despite taking an oath to uphold Constitution, allegedly participated in these alleged acts of subversion.Dotasra reiterated the party’s strong position, accusing BJP of “stealing the people’s mandate” in significant electoral contests, such as the mayoral elections in Ajmer and Pali, where Congress had secured a majority in ward polls but lost the mayoral posts to BJP candidates. Dotasra said that Congress would mount a statewide campaign against the alleged misuse of govt resources and would not hesitate to approach the courts wherever necessary.In response to the political developments, AICC General Secretary KC Venugopal convened a meeting with Dotasra and senior Congress members in Jaipur to assess the situation and strategise for the upcoming Panchayati Raj elections.
