Is BJP Delaying Local Elections in Rajasthan Under the SIR Pretext?
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Synopsis
The Rajasthan Congress has raised serious allegations against the BJP government, claiming it's intentionally delaying local elections by misusing the Special Intensive Revision of the voter list. With the democratic process at stake, this situation raises questions about the integrity of governance in Rajasthan.
Key Takeaways
- Accusations against BJP for delaying elections.
- Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process used as a pretext.
- Concerns over the democratic process in Rajasthan.
- Impact of OBC Commission's formation on elections.
- Potential postponement of elections until mid-2026.
Jaipur, Oct 28 (NationPress) The Rajasthan Congress has accused the state government of intentionally postponing the municipal and Panchayati Raj elections by using the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list as a pretext.
During a press briefing at the State Congress Headquarters in Jaipur, Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasra stated that the BJP government's actions clearly indicate its desire to delay elections in the state.
Dotasra emphasized that the SIR process is designated for states where Assembly, Panchayati Raj, and Municipal elections are not on the horizon. Yet, even with local elections pending, the Election Commission has declared the commencement of SIR in Rajasthan.
The Congress leader asserted that the government is leveraging the “One State, One Election” slogan as a rationale to obstruct the democratic process. The terms of 49 municipal bodies are set to conclude in November 2024, while the tenure of 11,310 Gram Panchayats has already lapsed. Administrators have been appointed for these bodies, yet the government has not initiated the election process.
He also pointed out that while the deadlines for delimitation are June 4, 2025, for Panchayati Raj institutions and May 22, 2025, for municipal bodies, only notifications for municipal wards have been issued. Additionally, the government has not given any written communication to the State Election Commission regarding its plans to conduct these elections.
Furthermore, he mentioned that the OBC Commission, crucial for granting reservations in local body elections as per the Supreme Court’s 2022 ruling, was established only in April 2025—months after elections were due. The Commission is lacking in funds, staff, and authorization to utilize BLOs for its survey.
“By implementing SIR, the BJP government has effectively guaranteed that no election process can commence before February 2026, as voter lists will remain frozen until then. Following that, the budget session and delimitation work will further defer the polls until mid-2026,” Dotasra stated.
He also highlighted that the BJP’s actions—from delaying delimitation to undermining the OBC Commission—are part of a larger scheme to manipulate the voter list and postpone elections.
“This is an attack on democracy and a betrayal of the people’s right to vote,” he concluded.
Point of View
The current allegations against the BJP government reflect ongoing tensions between political parties in India. The claims of delaying elections raise critical questions about governance and democratic practices, warranting a thorough investigation to ensure transparency and accountability.
NationPress
31/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Special Intensive Revision (SIR)?
The Special Intensive Revision (SIR) is a process meant for updating voter lists, particularly in states where no elections are imminent.
Why has the Congress party accused the BJP of delaying elections?
The Congress party claims that the BJP is using the SIR process as an excuse to postpone local elections in Rajasthan.
What are the implications of delaying elections?
Delaying elections can undermine the democratic process, potentially disenfranchising voters and affecting local governance.
When are the municipal and Panchayati Raj elections due?
The tenure for many local bodies has lapsed or is set to end soon, but elections have not been initiated.
What role does the OBC Commission play in local elections?
The OBC Commission is crucial for granting reservations in local body elections, impacting representation and fairness in the electoral process.
