Jaipur, Sep 18 — Political tensions have escalated ahead of the Jaipur Municipal Corporation mayoral election, with the Congress approaching the Police Commissioner over the alleged intimidation of its councillors and complaints of police misconduct during vote counting.
A Congress delegation submitted a memorandum on Friday, seeking assurances that its elected councillors would be allowed to participate in the mayoral election freely and without pressure, threats or coercion.
In its memorandum, the Congress alleged irregularities during the counting process, claiming that candidates who had maintained leads were declared defeated by narrow margins in at least seven instances. The party alleged that when candidates sought recounts over discrepancies in the results and counting process, police personnel allegedly pushed them out of the counting venue and used force instead of addressing their complaints.
Congress leaders have demanded a fair and time-bound enquiry into all seven incidents, along with the preservation of CCTV footage and video recordings from the counting process. They have also sought accountability for what they allege was assault and excessive use of force.
The Congress has also raised concerns that its councillors could face pressure or intimidation ahead of the mayoral election.
The party has urged the police administration to ensure that no councillor is threatened, detained or prevented from reaching the election venue because of political pressure.
It has specifically sought safeguards against councillors being taken to police stations or intercepted while travelling to or from the election venue. The memorandum calls for clear instructions to police officers and station in-charges to ensure that councillors can move freely, enter the election venue, cast their votes and return without obstruction.
The party has demanded the appointment of a senior police officer to promptly address complaints related to the election and has sought the officer’s contact details.
The memorandum was signed by Jaipur Congress District President Sunil Sharma, former minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas, MLAs Rafiq Khan and Amin Kagzi, and former MLA Ganga Devi. The Jaipur Municipal Corporation has 150 wards.
According to the final results cited by the Congress, the BJP has 78 councillors, the Congress 57, while independent candidates hold the remaining seats.
With the mayoral election approaching, the Congress has called on the police administration to ensure a fair, peaceful and fear-free election, while safeguarding the democratic rights of all elected councillors.
The allegations regarding the counting process and police conduct have been made by the Congress and would require an official investigation to establish the facts.