Gehlot accuses BJP of using police to grab Mayoral posts after Rajasthan urban poll results
Synopsis
Ashok Gehlot has accused the BJP of deploying police to intimidate Independent and Congress councillors in Jodhpur and Alwar as both parties race to secure Mayoral posts after Rajasthan's urban local body results. With the BJP already conceding ground in Pali, Bikaner, Ajmer and Bharatpur, the battle for the remaining corporations could hinge on a handful of Independent votes — and, Gehlot alleges, state pressure to swing them.
Key Takeaways
Ashok Gehlot on 14 September 2026 accused the BJP of misusing police to influence municipal board formation after Rajasthan urban local body election results .
Allegations focus on Jodhpur and Alwar , where Independent councillors are seen as kingmakers for the Mayoral post.
Gehlot claimed BJP had already faced setbacks in Pali , Bikaner , Ajmer , and Bharatpur municipal corporations.
He also alleged the BJP used arbitrary delimitation and CM Bhajan Lal Sharma -led roadshows during the poll campaign.
Gehlot warned government officials that those involved in any coercion of councillors would be held accountable.
The BJP had not responded to the allegations as of the time of the statement.
Former Rajasthan Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot on Monday, 14 September 2026, accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of deploying police and administrative machinery to influence the formation of municipal boards and seize Mayoral posts following the announcement of Rajasthan urban local body election results. The allegations target BJP's conduct in Jodhpur and Alwar, where the contest for control of municipal governments remains on a knife-edge.
The Core Allegations
In a formal statement, Gehlot alleged that the BJP was 'rattled' by its performance in the municipal elections and had resorted to pressure tactics aimed at winning over Independent and Congress councillors in closely contested corporations. He specifically named Jodhpur and Alwar as flashpoints where the ruling party was allegedly using police intimidation to coerce elected representatives.
The former Chief Minister further claimed that the BJP had already suffered setbacks in the Pali, Bikaner, Ajmer, and Bharatpur municipal corporations, and was now desperate to prevent similar outcomes in the two remaining contested cities.
Allegations Over Poll Conduct
Gehlot extended his criticism to the manner in which the urban local body elections were conducted under the current state government led by Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma. He alleged that the BJP resorted to arbitrary delimitation, leveraged the entire government machinery to its advantage, and deployed Chief Minister Sharma-led roadshows during the election campaign. Despite these alleged measures, Gehlot claimed, the party failed to secure a commanding lead in several municipal corporations.
The Battle for Independent Councillors
In tightly fought corporations such as Jodhpur, where the BJP and Congress have reportedly emerged with almost identical seat counts, Independent councillors are expected to play a decisive role in determining which party forms the municipal government and claims the Mayoral post. Gehlot alleged that it is precisely these councillors who are now being targeted through alleged intimidation and coercion.
This is a familiar post-election dynamic in Rajasthan's urban politics — the period between result announcement and board formation has historically seen intense lobbying and, critics argue, pressure tactics by whichever party finds itself short of a majority.
Gehlot's Warning to Officials
The veteran Congress leader called upon the police and district administration to remain impartial and ensure that no partisan action was taken against elected representatives. He warned government officials against participating in any attempt to influence councillors through intimidation or coercion.
'The Congress views this matter with the utmost seriousness,' Gehlot said, adding that officials found to be involved in such alleged conduct would be held accountable.
BJP Yet to Respond
As of the time of Gehlot's statement, the BJP had not issued a formal response to the allegations. With board formation proceedings expected to unfold in the coming days, the political temperature in Rajasthan's municipal landscape is set to remain elevated.
Point of View
If substantiated, would represent a misuse of state power against elected representatives. The BJP's silence is notable but not unusual at this early stage. The real accountability test lies with the district administration and the Election Commission's ability to monitor post-result conduct, an area where institutional oversight has historically been thin. Rajasthan's voters appear to have delivered a fragmented mandate precisely where the ruling party needed a sweep — and how that mandate is ultimately translated into governance will say much about the health of the state's democratic institutions.
NationPress
14 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Ashok Gehlot allege about the BJP after the Rajasthan urban local body election results?
Gehlot alleged that the BJP was using police and administrative machinery to intimidate Independent and Congress councillors in Jodhpur and Alwar, seeking to influence the formation of municipal boards and secure Mayoral posts. He made the allegations on 14 September 2026, the day the urban local body election results were announced.
Which Rajasthan municipal corporations were mentioned as BJP setbacks?
Gehlot claimed the BJP had already faced setbacks in the Pali, Bikaner, Ajmer, and Bharatpur municipal corporations. He said the party was now focused on Jodhpur and Alwar to prevent similar outcomes there.
Why are Independent councillors important in the Rajasthan municipal elections?
In closely contested corporations like Jodhpur, the BJP and Congress have reportedly won almost identical numbers of seats, making Independent councillors the deciding factor in who forms the municipal government and claims the Mayoral post. Gehlot alleged these councillors are being targeted through alleged coercion.
What action did Gehlot demand from officials?
Gehlot called on the police and district administration to remain impartial and refrain from any partisan action against elected representatives. He warned that officials found to be involved in intimidating councillors would be held accountable.
Has the BJP responded to Gehlot's allegations?
As of the time Gehlot issued his statement on 14 September 2026, the BJP had not formally responded to the allegations. The situation is expected to evolve as board formation proceedings begin in the coming days.
