Former Ajmer Mayor Dharmendra Gehlot resigned from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s primary membership on 20 August, dealing a blow to the party ahead of civic elections in Rajasthan. Gehlot also sought relief from his role as Nagaur district in-charge, citing political pressure from Rajasthan Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani.

Gehlot's Allegations Against Devnani

In a video statement, Gehlot alleged that Devnani had used his influence to have notices issued against him by the Department of Local Self-Government. The notices reportedly pertain to matters dating back to the period 2015–2020 and 2021. 'Everyone knows that I have political and ideological differences with him. He did this to put me under pressure,' Gehlot alleged in his video message.

Gehlot maintained that he had been a loyal BJP worker and said he did not want the party to face embarrassment or allow the Opposition Congress to exploit the situation. He confirmed that his video constituted an official statement and that a formal letter had been sent to the party seeking relief from his membership and responsibilities until the matters were resolved.

The Legal and Administrative Background

According to available records, maps relating to 13 files were approved through then-Mayor Gehlot during a period when the Municipal Corporation Commissioner was on leave. A judicial inquiry was subsequently initiated, and the Judicial Department reportedly held him responsible. The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) launched an investigation in 2019, though prosecution sanction was not granted at the time.

The state government has since granted prosecution sanction to the ACB. Separately, based on the judicial inquiry report, the Department of Local Self-Government has issued Gehlot a notice asking why he should not be disqualified from contesting elections for six years under the Rajasthan Municipalities Act. He has reportedly been given three days to respond.

Devnani's Response

Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani denied the allegations, saying he had no differences with anyone. He did not address the specific claims made in Gehlot's video statement. The contradiction between Gehlot's public allegations and Devnani's denial has drawn fresh attention to internal tensions within the BJP's Ajmer unit.

Congress Seizes the Moment

Rajkumar Jaipal, President of the City District Congress Committee, said Gehlot's video had brought allegations of intimidation of senior BJP leaders and former elected representatives into the public domain. He argued that a party unable to respect its own leaders could not credibly claim to protect public dignity.

Former RTDC Chairman Dharmendra Rathore said the episode raised questions about alleged pressure and discontent within the BJP, and claimed the allegations cast doubt on the party's internal democratic functioning. City Congress District Vice-President Vivek Parashar, who described Gehlot as a fellow lawyer, said Gehlot would not be left alone to face any alleged pressure or injustice.

Political Timing and What Comes Next

The resignation comes at a sensitive moment for the BJP, with civic elections approaching in Rajasthan and the dispute between two prominent Ajmer figures now firmly in the public eye. Gehlot has said he will soon present facts relating to both the ACB matter and the local self-government notice to clarify his position. The BJP leadership has not yet issued a formal response to the resignation.