Shimla, May 25 (IANS) A BJP delegation led by Himachal Pradesh President Rajeev Bindal on Monday met Governor Kavinder Gupta at Lok Bhawan here and raised concerns regarding alleged interference in Panchayati Raj and Urban Local Body elections by the state Congress government.

Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur was also present at the meeting along with several senior BJP leaders and office-bearers.

The delegation submitted a memorandum to the Governor, highlighting what the party termed as repeated attempts by the government to manipulate democratic processes, amend rules during the election period, and influence the public mandate through administrative and political pressure.

Addressing the media after the meeting, state chief Rajeev Bindal said the delegation approached the Governor to protect democracy and constitutional values.

He said the Panchayati Raj and municipal elections are the foundation of democracy and traditionally non-party based in the state, but despite this the government and the Chief Minister were allegedly interfering in the election process.

Bindal accused the government of changing rules and amending provisions after the election process had already begun.

He alleged that amendments in reservation-related provisions and changes in rules governing the election of Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons of Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats were aimed at giving excessive discretionary powers to officials and indirectly benefiting Congress leaders through backdoor political influence.

He said the Congress was facing strong public anger across the state and was heading towards a major defeat in the local body elections.

According to him, the Congress had failed to officially nominate candidates in several places due to fear of defeat. Bindal alleged the government was now trying to manipulate the election process to politically safeguard itself.

Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur criticised the government, alleging continuous attempts to weaken democratic institutions in the state.

He claimed that the government had earlier tried to delay panchayat elections but failed in both the high court and the Supreme Court, and that the elections were now being conducted only because of apex court directives.

Thakur further accused the Chief Minister of openly violating the Model Code of Conduct by announcing financial incentives and development funds during election rallies in favour of Congress-backed candidates.

He said announcements ranging from Rs 50 lakh to Rs 1 crore for development works were made publicly, which amounted to a direct violation of election norms.

He also claimed that BJP-backed candidates had secured clear majorities in a large number of Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats across the state.

According to him, BJP-supported candidates had achieved majority in 18 out of 25 Municipal Councils and 12 out of 22 Nagar Panchayats.

He said after witnessing these results the Congress government amended rules related to the election of Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons to delay the process and create possibilities for political pressure and horse-trading.

Former Chief Minister Thakur alleged that elected representatives were being threatened with vigilance inquiries, transfers, and administrative action if they did not support Congress-backed groups.

He said Cabinet decisions were taken and publicised during the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, including announcements related to financial assistance schemes and honorarium hikes, which BJP believed were intended to influence voters and elected representatives.

The BJP delegation urged the Governor to intervene and ensure protection of democratic values, constitutional processes, and the sanctity of the people’s mandate in Himachal Pradesh.

–IANS

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