Gehlot Accuses Bhajanlal Sharmas Government of Misusing Police in Local Body Elections

Jaipur, September 30: Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has intensified his criticism of the Bhajanlal Sharma-led government regarding the recent local body elections in Rajasthan. During a media interaction, Gehlot alleged that the police and administrative machinery were misused during the elections and the formation of boards. In response, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma dismissed these allegations, urging the Congress not to blame the administration or the public after their electoral defeat.

Gehlot reacted to Sharma’s denial of police misuse, labeling it as false. He claimed that there were numerous reports from various regions in the state regarding pressure on councilors, police intervention, and administrative actions. Previously, Congress had accused the police and administration of interference in several areas, including Sikar, Ajmer, Bharatpur, Banasur, Fatehpur, and Kuchera. However, these allegations have not been substantiated by any independent investigations.

When asked about the Chief Minister’s statement denying police involvement in the elections, Gehlot responded, “There is no bigger white lie than this. If Chief Minister Bhajanlal claims that no police were used, then I believe there was police involvement throughout the state.”

Gehlot emphasized the importance of impartiality in elections, stating that the role of police and administration should be completely unbiased. He accused certain officials of succumbing to political pressure, which could potentially affect the electoral process.

He further asserted that the institutional credibility of IAS and IPS officers is built over time, and they should prioritize their constitutional and administrative duties above any political influence. Gehlot had previously claimed that the recent local elections tarnished the bureaucracy’s impartial image.

He raised concerns about information he received from some officials, indicating that subordinate officers had to act following directives from senior levels. He warned that if actions related to elections are taken under political pressure or directives, it poses a significant concern for administrative impartiality.

Additionally, Gehlot questioned the recent four-day leave taken by the Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Kumar Sharma, linking it to complaints that arose during the elections. However, no official information has been released regarding the reason for Sharma’s leave or its connection to the local elections, making Gehlot’s comments appear politically motivated.

Gehlot also challenged the Chief Minister to clarify whether there had been any directive discussions with collectors or Superintendents of Police regarding the elections and board formations. He criticized Sharma for not providing sufficient clarity on the matter.

In response, Chief Minister Sharma rejected Gehlot’s accusations, suggesting that the former Chief Minister should review the Congress’s electoral performance instead of blaming the administration and the public.

Congress leaders have previously raised similar allegations of police pressure during the board formation following the local elections. In Sangaria, Congress MLA Abhimanyu Poonia accused the police of interference, while in Ajmer, Congress leaders protested against the alleged lack of impartiality from the police and administration. BJP leaders dismissed these claims, accusing Congress of making allegations after their electoral loss.

Gehlot has also previously alleged incidents of councilors being kidnapped, detained, and pressured, with threats of action against their families. The Rajasthan Congress has claimed to compile a list of over 50 such alleged incidents, each requiring independent verification.

Gehlot used Bharatpur as an example to illustrate his points, further emphasizing the need for transparency and fairness in the electoral process.

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Kuldeep Singh Chundawat: My name is Kuldeep Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.