BJP delegation meets governor, alleges govt interference in local body polls

Shimla: A BJP delegation, led by the state president Dr Rajeev Bindal, on Monday met governor Kavinder Gupta at Lok Bhavan and submitted a memorandum alleging state govt's interference in panchayati raj and urban local body elections.Leader of opposition Jai Ram Thakur also accompanied the delegation. The BJP accused the state govt of attempting to manipulate democratic processes by amending rules during the election period and exerting administrative and political pressure to influence the mandate. Addressing the media after the meeting, Dr Bindal said panchayati raj and municipal elections are the foundation of democracy and are traditionally conducted on a non-party basis in Himachal Pradesh. He alleged that the Congress govt was interfering in the election process for political gain. Dr Bindal claimed that changes in reservation-related provisions and amendments concerning the election of chairpersons and vice-chairpersons of municipal councils and nagar panchayats were introduced after the commencement of poll process. According to him, these amendments were aimed at giving excessive discretionary powers to officials and benefiting Congress-backed groups. The leader of opposition also accused the state govt of violating the model code of conduct by announcing development funds and financial incentives during election rallies. He alleged that elected representatives were being pressured through threats of vigilance inquiries and administrative action. The BJP sought the governor's intervention to safeguard democratic values and ensure fair elections in Himachal Pradesh.MSID:: 131310615 413 |