Jaipur, April 14 (IANS) Former Rajasthan Chief Minister, Ashok Gehlot, has called for the intervention of President Murmu and the Governor over the delay in conducting elections to Urban Local Bodies (ULB) and Panchayati Raj institutions in the state.

Addressing the media in Jaipur, Gehlot alleged that the BJP-led state government is deliberately postponing these elections, calling the situation a “constitutional crisis.”

Gehlot argued that timely elections to Panchayati Raj institutions and ULBs are a constitutional mandate rooted in the vision of B.R. Ambedkar. “If the government fails to conduct elections on schedule, what moral right does it have to remain in power?” he questioned.

He further criticised the BJP for celebrating Ambedkar Jayanti while allegedly ignoring the constitutional principles he stood for. According to Gehlot, institutions such as Panchayats, municipalities, and cooperative societies form the backbone of grassroots democracy.

He pointed out that while Panchayat and municipal elections are overdue, even cooperative society elections have not been held.

“Had they truly believed in Ambedkar’s ideals, these elections would have been conducted on time,” he said.

Raising concerns over the delay, Gehlot stated that both the Supreme Court and the High Court had issued clear directives to conduct these elections within a stipulated timeframe, reportedly by April.

“Despite judicial instructions, the elections have not been held. This raises serious questions and suggests a breakdown of constitutional order,” he remarked.

Gehlot also accused those in power of lacking genuine faith in constitutional values. Referring to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, he said the repeated call to “Save the Constitution” reflects growing concerns about democratic institutions being weakened.

“There is a clear disconnect between what is being said and what is being done,” he added.

Highlighting the irony, Gehlot noted that while leaders across the political spectrum continue to celebrate Ambedkar’s birth anniversary on April 14, their actions often contradict his ideals.

He warned that weakening democratic institutions and delaying elections undermines the very foundation of India’s constitutional framework.

–IANS

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