Jaipur: Tensions escalated in Hanumangarh as Congress MLA Abhimanyu Poonia accused the BJP govt and local police of overreach during the lead-up to the municipal chairperson election due on Sept 22.Poonia claimed that police forcibly entered a hotel Friday night, taking two Congress councillors, Omprakash Swami and Sahil Swami, into custody. He labeled the police action an attempt to intimidate political rivals and undermine the democratic process. Poonia asserted that false charges were levied against the councillors and their families, alleging that the BJP govt was attempting to suppress voter mandates through coercion.The two detained councillors later told police they travelled to Punjab voluntarily, contradicting abduction claims. This led to a standoff between Poonia and police, who maintained their actions were justified under the ongoing investigation of the councillors’ alleged abduction.“The govt is trying to suppress democracy and the people’s mandate,” Poonia said Saturday, threatening a “mass movement” if the alleged state oppression did not cease.The controversy unfolded as political parties maneuver to consolidate their councillors ahead of the crucial vote, with Sangaria municipality housing 35 councillors and 18 votes required to get the majority. The recent civic polls saw eight Congress, two BJP and 25 independent councillors elected, making the independents crucial to the chairperson’s election.
