Delays in Local Body Elections: Rajasthans Minister Addresses Concerns

Kota, July 12: In a significant statement regarding the long-delayed local body elections in Rajasthan, Minister of State for Autonomous Governance, Jhabar Singh Kharra, revealed that the state government had completed necessary preparations at both the state and departmental levels by March 2026. He attributed the delay to the Supreme Court’s rulings and the need for accurate data on the OBC (Other Backward Classes) population.

Kharra made these remarks during the inauguration of redevelopment works at Chambal Garden in Kota on Saturday evening. He emphasized that two clear decisions from the Supreme Court stipulate that the government cannot provide political reservations until the State Backward Classes Commission submits accurate population data for the OBC category.

He acknowledged that initial data collected by the administration had several discrepancies. Kharra explained that local authorities were tasked with gathering this data, but most manpower was engaged in other tasks at that time. When the Backward Classes Commission later verified the data, numerous inconsistencies were found in the report.

Following this, Kharra stated that local administration has been instructed to prepare a corrected report promptly. He expressed optimism that, despite manpower being occupied with census work, local authorities would gather and provide the data within the next month. As the data becomes available, the Backward Classes Commission will re-evaluate it at the local level.

Responding to opposition accusations regarding the delay in elections, Kharra criticized the previous Congress government. He pointed out that the Supreme Court’s decision had come in 2022, giving the then-government about a year and a half to take necessary actions, which they failed to do.

Kharra asserted that the Congress government could have advanced the process in a timely manner but deliberately left the files pending. He noted that after the current government was formed, the Backward Classes Commission was established immediately, and the process was set in motion.

He also mentioned that he had made it clear in the assembly that if the opposition wanted to conduct elections without providing political reservations to the OBCs, they should submit a written request. The state government is open to considering that option, but no such request has been received from the opposition so far.

On the issue of allegations regarding the construction of a BJP office on railway land in Kota, Kharra stated that the land survey had already been completed. Nonetheless, he directed KDA officials to write to railway authorities to obtain copies of the documents they possess.

He added that after this, teams from the railway, KDA, and the revenue department would conduct a joint survey based on their respective documents to clarify the situation entirely.

Regarding ongoing urban-rural service camps in the state, Kharra informed that there has been a positive response from the public. Consequently, the government is considering extending the duration of these camps by an additional 15 days.

He mentioned that discussions with the Chief Minister would take place soon to finalize this decision. The minister reiterated that the government’s aim is to address public issues on-site and enhance the effectiveness of administrative services.

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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.