A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) delegation led by Himachal Pradesh BJP President Rajeev Bindal on Monday, 25 May called on Governor Kavinder Gupta at Lok Bhawan, Shimla, submitting a memorandum that accused the state Congress government of interfering in Panchayati Raj and Urban Local Body (ULB) elections. Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur accompanied the delegation along with several senior party leaders.

Key Allegations in the Memorandum

The memorandum alleged that the Congress-led state government had repeatedly attempted to manipulate democratic processes by amending rules mid-election and exerting administrative and political pressure on voters and elected representatives. Bindal told reporters that Panchayati Raj and municipal elections are traditionally non-partisan in Himachal Pradesh, and that the government's conduct amounted to a direct subversion of that convention.

Bindal specifically alleged that amendments to reservation-related provisions and changes in the rules governing the election of Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons of Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats were introduced after the election process had already commenced. He argued these changes were designed to vest excessive discretionary powers in officials and indirectly channel political benefit to Congress leaders.

Thakur's Charges: Court Orders, MCC Violations

Thakur alleged that the Congress government had earlier attempted to delay panchayat elections but failed before both the Himachal Pradesh High Court and the Supreme Court of India, with the elections proceeding only on apex court directives. He further accused Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu of openly flouting the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by announcing financial incentives and development funds at election rallies in favour of Congress-backed candidates.

According to Thakur, announcements ranging from ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore for development works were made publicly during the election period, which he described as a direct violation of election norms. He also alleged that elected representatives were being threatened with vigilance inquiries, transfers, and administrative action if they did not align with Congress-backed groups.

BJP Claims Majority in Municipal Bodies

Thakur claimed that BJP-backed candidates had secured clear majorities in 18 out of 25 Municipal Councils and 12 out of 22 Nagar Panchayats across the state. He alleged that it was precisely these results that prompted the Congress government to amend rules on the election of Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons — a move he characterised as an attempt to delay the process and create space for political pressure and horse-trading.

Bindal added that the Congress had failed to officially nominate candidates in several constituencies due to fear of defeat, and was now resorting to administrative manoeuvring to politically safeguard itself.

BJP Urges Governor to Intervene

The delegation urged Governor Gupta to intervene and ensure the protection of democratic values, constitutional processes, and the sanctity of the people's mandate. This comes amid heightened political tensions in Himachal Pradesh ahead of the conclusion of the local body election cycle, with both parties trading accusations over procedural fairness. The Governor's response to the memorandum is awaited.