A sharp political confrontation erupted in Rajasthan on 21 September 2026, just hours before the Tijara Municipal Council chairperson election, after Congress leaders alleged that around 18 councillors backing the party were detained by Haryana Police while returning from Himachal Pradesh. The alleged interception, if confirmed, could directly affect the outcome of Monday's vote, as the councillors may not reach Tijara in time to cast their ballots.

What Congress Alleged

According to Congress leaders, the councillors were stopped late on Sunday night near the Chandimandir (Surajpur) toll plaza in Haryana while en route back to Rajasthan. Tijara Congress leader Imran Khan alleged that a bus carrying the group, along with several accompanying vehicles, was intercepted at the toll. He claimed that some of the police vehicles involved had no visible number plates, while others had their registration plates covered — suggesting, he said, a deliberate and covert operation rather than routine enforcement.

Khan alleged that the councillors — numbering between 18 and 19 — were taken to the Pinjore police station, prompting Congress leaders and supporters to stage a sit-in outside the station seeking their release and an explanation. Former Tijara MLA Sandeep Yadav, who was reportedly travelling with the group, released a video alleging police intervention, claiming the action was politically motivated. According to Congress, Yadav was subsequently released, while the councillors remained at the centre of the dispute.

Gehlot's Charge Against BJP-Ruled Governments

Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot escalated the matter sharply, alleging coordination between the BJP governments in Rajasthan and Haryana. 'The BJP has now involved not just the Rajasthan Police but also the Haryana Police in the murder of democracy,' Gehlot said, tagging the handles of the Haryana Chief Minister, the Rajasthan Chief Minister, and senior police and election officials on social media.

Gehlot alleged that the detained councillors' photographs were already in the possession of Haryana Police, and that they were being identified and separated from other travellers by face recognition — which he characterised as 'no routine checking, but a completely premeditated and targeted action.' He called on the State Election Commission to intervene, saying the obstruction of another state's election process by a neighbouring state's chief minister was 'unfortunate and condemnable.'

What Police Said

Tijara DSP Shivraj Singh confirmed that a complaint had been received but said the allegations were being examined. He said police were attempting to determine which Haryana police unit had stopped the group and were verifying the facts before taking any legal action. Police have not confirmed the account of events as described by Congress, and the allegations have not been independently verified.

The Arithmetic of the Tijara Vote

The Tijara Municipal Council comprises 35 wards, with a majority requiring 18 votes. Available election results show that independent candidates won 31 seats, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured three, and Congress won one. Given this composition, winning over independents has become the decisive factor in the chairperson election. Congress leaders claimed that 17 independents had extended support to their side, taking their total claimed strength to 18 — exactly the majority threshold — which is why the party had moved the councillors together ahead of the vote.

What Happens Next

With the chairperson vote scheduled for Monday, the critical question is whether the alleged detainees will be able to return to Tijara in time to participate. The outcome hinges almost entirely on the councillors' presence: if Congress cannot field its claimed 18 votes, the balance could tilt in favour of the BJP or an opposing bloc of independents. The State Election Commission's response to Gehlot's appeal, and the findings of the police verification, are expected to determine how the situation unfolds before and during the vote.