Is the Government's Claim of 'One and a Half Years vs Five Years' Valid When Basic Elections Are Delayed?

Jaipur, July 12 (NationPress) The former Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot, has launched a vehement critique against the BJP-led government in the state, accusing it of neglecting its constitutional duties by postponing elections for both Panchayati Raj institutions and urban local bodies.

Gehlot remarked, "The administration that boasts about 'one and a half years compared to five years' has not even managed to hold basic democratic elections."

He emphasized that Article 243-E of the Constitution clearly states that Panchayati Raj elections are to be conducted every five years without exception.

"This government is blatantly disregarding constitutional mandates out of fear of losing in elections," he claimed.

Gehlot also referenced significant Supreme Court decisions, including Goa Government vs Fauzia Imtiaz Sheikh and Punjab State Election Commission vs Punjab Government, which reinforce the requirement for elections of local self-governing bodies every five years, as outlined in the Constitution.

“The highest judiciary of the nation has clarified — these elections are essential, not optional,” he underlined.

The former CM asserted that the BJP's reluctance to hold timely elections demonstrates its anxiety about public opinion.

“They are aware that the populace is dissatisfied and may choose to vote them out. This is why they are postponing elections under dubious pretexts,” he stated.

Gehlot called upon the Election Commission and the judiciary to step in and uphold democratic principles. “Democracy is being undermined under this regime. Failure to conduct timely elections establishes a perilous precedent for the nation,” he cautioned.

More than 6,500 Panchayati Raj institutions and over 50 municipal bodies in Rajasthan have reached the end of their five-year terms, yet elections remain unheld. This was confirmed by the State Election Commission in a recent response to a Right to Information (RTI) request. The commission indicated that no proposals for elections had been submitted thus far, and elections cannot proceed until delimitation and reorganization are finalized.

In a statement to the High Court, the State Election Commission explained that delimitation and reorganization are ongoing at the state government level, making timely elections unfeasible.

By January 2025, the terms of over 6,500 Panchayats had lapsed. During this interim, the state government has appointed sarpanches as administrators, a decision that has been legally challenged.