A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) delegation, led by state president Dr Rajeev Bindal, met Governor Kavinder Gupta at Lok Bhavan on Monday and submitted a memorandum alleging interference by the state government in the panchayati raj and urban local body elections. Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur also accompanied the delegation.
Allegations of Manipulation
The BJP accused the state government of attempting to manipulate democratic processes by amending rules during the election period and exerting administrative and political pressure to influence the mandate. Addressing the media after the meeting, Dr Bindal said that panchayati raj and municipal elections are the foundation of democracy and are traditionally conducted on a non-party basis in Himachal Pradesh. He alleged that the Congress government was interfering in the election process for political gain.
Changes in Reservation Provisions
Dr Bindal claimed that changes in reservation-related provisions and amendments concerning the election of chairpersons and vice-chairpersons of municipal councils and nagar panchayats were introduced after the commencement of the poll process. According to him, these amendments were aimed at giving excessive discretionary powers to officials and benefiting Congress-backed groups.
Violation of Model Code of Conduct
The leader of opposition also accused the state government of violating the model code of conduct by announcing development funds and financial incentives during election rallies. He alleged that elected representatives were being pressured through threats of vigilance inquiries and administrative action.
Demand for Governor's Intervention
The BJP sought the governor's intervention to safeguard democratic values and ensure fair elections in Himachal Pradesh. The delegation urged the governor to take appropriate steps to prevent any manipulation of the electoral process and uphold the integrity of local body elections.
