Raj Cong chief seeks election commission probe into govt bias in urban polls

Jaipur: Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee president Govind Singh Dotasra has sought an inquiry by state election commission into alleged “biased conduct”, including claims of intimidation, inducement and attempts to influence councillors, of returning officers, police and administration during the just-concluded urban local body elections.In a three-page complaint lodged Tuesday, Dotasra alleged that administrative and police machinery was used to put pressure on Congress and Independent councillors during the process of forming civic bodies. He sought an impartial inquiry and action against officials and employees found responsible.Dotasra alleged that after counting of votes on Sept 14 and elections for chairperson, president and mayor posts on Sept 21, several councillors were subjected to threats, inducements and attempts to influence their voting.“Due to biased attitude of the ruling party and the administrative and police machinery, Congress and independent councillors were lured, threatened and, in some cases, attempts were made to abduct them,” Dotasra alleged in his complaint.The Congress chief claimed that 152 FIRs and complaints were registered against non-BJP functionaries during the municipal polls. He sought scrutiny of the cases and action against the guilty if these are found to have been politically motivated.Dotasra alleged that in some places returning officers extended the voting period beyond the stipulated deadline. “Voting period was repeatedly extended beyond the prescribed time without any reasonable justification,” he alleged, adding that in some places results were announced prematurely and valid votes secured by Congress candidates were rejected.The complaint further alleged that officials from departments including GST, income tax, food adulteration and labour welfare conducted inspections at business establishments linked to elected councillors. Dotasra alleged that the action was intended to put pressure on councillors and their families.Congress cited alleged incidents in Tijara, Srivijaynagar, Suratgarh, Bharatpur, Ajmer, Pali, Sikar, Jalore, Barmer, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Churu, Sriganganagar and Nagaur, among other places.Citing Tijara municipal council election, Dotasra alleged that around 18 Congress-supported councillors were stopped by Haryana Police, disrupting their movement ahead of voting. The complaint referred to alleged incidents involving councillors in Srivijaynagar and Suratgarh also.You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Jaipur | Silver Rate in Jaipur | Bank Holidays in Jaipur | Public Holidays in Jaipur | Jaipur AQI | Weather in Jaipur | Petrol Price in Jaipur | Diesel Price in Jaipur | CNG Price in Jaipur | LPG Price in JaipurStay updated with the latest Jaipur news. Download the TOI App.