Himachal: BJP alleges Cong govt interfering in local polls, seeks governor's intervention

A BJP delegation met Himachal Pradesh Governor Rajeev Bindal, alleging the Congress government's interference in local body elections and seeking his intervention to protect democracy and constitutional values.

Raising concerns of alleged interference in rural and urban local body elections by the Congress government, a delegation of the BJP met Governor Rajeev Bindal on Monday, seeking his intervention in the matter.

The BJP, led by state president Rajeev Bindal, submitted a memorandum to the governor, alleging that the Sukhvinder Sukhu-led government was attempting to manipulate democratic processes, amend rules, and influence the public mandate through administrative and political pressure, after sensing defeat in the elections.

Elections for 51 urban local bodies were held on March 17, while polling in 3,754 gram panchayats would be conducted in three phases on May 26, 28 and 30.

Leader of Opposition and former chief minister Jairam Thakur was also present in the meeting, along with several senior BJP leaders and other office bearers.

Addressing the media, Bindal said the BJP delegation approached the governor to ''protect democracy and constitutional values in Himachal Pradesh''.

He alleged that amendments in reservation-related provisions and changes in rules governing the election of chairpersons and vice-chairpersons of municipal councils and nagar panchayats were aimed at giving excessive discretionary powers to officials and indirectly benefiting Congress leaders through backdoor political influence.

Bindal said the Congress had failed to officially nominate candidates in several places due to fear of defeat.

He claimed that the government had earlier tried to delay panchayat elections but failed in both the high court and the Supreme Court, and that the elections were now being conducted only because of the apex court directives.

Thakur also accused Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu of openly violating the Model Code of Conduct by announcing financial incentives and development funds during election rallies in favour of Congress-backed candidates.

He said announcements ranging from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1 crore for development works were made publicly, amounting to a direct violation of election norms.

He also claimed that the BJP-supported candidates were in the majority in 18 out of 25 municipal councils and 12 out of 22 nagar panchayats, saying that after witnessing the results, the Congress government amended rules related to the election of chairpersons and vice-chairpersons to delay the process and create possibilities for political pressure and horse-trading.

Thakur alleged that elected representatives were being threatened with vigilance inquiries, transfers, and administrative action if they did not support Congress-backed groups.

The senior BJP leader claimed that cabinet decisions taken during the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, including announcements related to financial assistance schemes and honorarium hikes, were intended to influence voters and elected representatives.

The BJP delegation urged the governor to intervene and ensure the protection of democratic values, constitutional processes, and the sanctity of the people's mandate in Himachal Pradesh.