Rajasthan Congress Accuses BJP of Election Delays

The Rajasthan Congress has accused the BJP-led state government of intentionally delaying panchayati raj and urban local body elections using the 'One State, One Election' pretext. The party claims this has hindered grassroots development and stalled democratic processes, with significant funds withheld by the Centre.

The Rajasthan Congress launched a scathing critique against the BJP-led state government on Tuesday, claiming the administration is deliberately postponing panchayati raj and urban local body elections. They argue this move, masked as part of the 'One State, One Election' initiative, is undermining local development and democratic processes.

Govind Singh Dotasra, the Congress state president, highlighted in a press conference that the simultaneous election proposal is impractical, as many panchayat samitis and zila parishads have valid terms until December 2026. He cited delays in ward delimitation and electoral roll preparations as further evidence of the state government's reluctance to conduct timely elections.

Dotasra also alleged that the Centre has withheld approximately Rs 3,000 crore intended for Rajasthan due to the election delays. Accusations of political interference in the delimitation process were directed at the BJP, with claims of attempts to manipulate electoral outcomes by stalling boundary finalizations.

(With inputs from agencies.)