Jaipur: Leader of Opposition (LoP) Tikaram Jully Wednesday alleged that the state govt was using its machinery to collect details of former and sitting zila pramukh, pradhan, zila parishad members and panchayat samiti members who could be potential candidates in the forthcoming Panchayati Raj elections.The notification for the same is expected early next week.In a post on X, Jully questioned the purpose of the exercise, referring to instructions issued to officials to compile details of potential candidates in an Excel sheet.“According to the instructions, details were to be compiled against the respective panchayat samiti, gram panchayat, ward and reserved category. A separate ‘Vishesh Vivaran’ column required information about each person, including notable work and political background, in Hindi,” Jully posted on X.The communication, dated Sept 28, directed officials to ensure that the completed Excel sheet was sent by 5 pm the same day. It also prescribed how names were to be entered against each panchayat samiti, gram panchayat and ward, including inserting a new row where more than one name was available.“Why are these details being sought? Is this govt work? Why are you trying to misuse the govt machinery? It is a known fact that at least 40%-50% candidates in any elections were contested by former or sitting. It is clear this exercise is being done to target Congress potential candidates,” Jully said, questioning the purpose of seeking information about prospective candidates.He alleged that the information could subsequently be used to put pressure on potential contestants through cases, notices, recovery proceedings or raids. “Will you get cases registered against them, issue notices, initiate recoveries or conduct raids against them? Or will you take them away so that they cannot even file their nomination papers?” Jully said.“The municipal elections have already shown you the reality. The Panchayati Raj elections are still to come, and you will see the remaining reality then,” he said, accusing the govt of misusing official machinery. Jully further alleged that the information was being sought to “scare, threaten, harass, trouble or buy” potential candidates.
