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Rajasthan Civic Poll Withdrawals Trigger Political Storm Across State
Rajasthan is preparing for elections in many local city and town wards.
More than 10,000 candidates withdrew from the race before the deadline.
This left 38,891 candidates competing for 10,245 wards.
Some withdrawals caused arguments between supporters of different parties.
In one case, a candidate reportedly joined the BJP after withdrawing.
In another case, Congress workers said police and officials acted unfairly during a dispute.
An independent candidate alleged that he was offered Rs 1 lakh to leave the race, and police seized the money.
These allegations still need to be investigated and proved.
At least 77 candidates were elected without a contest because their opponents withdrew.
A total of 10,112 candidates withdrew nominations from Rajasthan’s civic elections.
After scrutiny and withdrawals, 38,891 candidates remain for 10,245 wards across 309 civic bodies.
Political confrontations, party-switching claims, police intervention and allegations of inducements marked the deadline.
Independent candidate Rohit Sen alleged that BJP candidate Amit Saraswat offered him Rs 1 lakh to withdraw.
At least 77 candidates were elected unopposed, including a Congress candidate’s uncontested victory in Ramganjmandi.
- Who
- Candidates, the Bharatiya Janata Party, the Indian National Congress, the Rashtriya Loktantrik Party and election authorities were involved.
- What
- A total of 10,112 candidates withdrew nominations, reshaping Rajasthan’s civic election contests and prompting political disputes.
- Where
- Across Rajasthan, including Barmer, Nathdwara, Bhilwara, Banswara, Ramganjmandi and Pali.
- When
- The final withdrawal deadline was Friday; 69,929 nomination papers had been filed by August 31.
- Why
- Candidates and parties sought to alter ward-level contests, while some withdrawals were linked to alleged pressure, inducements or political negotiations.
Candidates’ and Opposition Allegations
Party and Official Positions
Police intervention in Nathdwara
Candidates’ and Opposition Allegations
Congress workers alleged that police and the administration acted with bias after police removed BJP candidate Dinesh Prajapat during a dispute over his proposed withdrawal.
Party and Official Positions
Police intervened after BJP workers surrounded Prajapat and Congress supporters arrived, according to the reported account; the article does not state a final official finding on bias.
Alleged inducements
Candidates’ and Opposition Allegations
Independent candidate Rohit Sen alleged that BJP candidate Amit Saraswat left Rs 1 lakh at his home to persuade him to withdraw, and he complained to police and the Election Commission.
Party and Official Positions
The allegation has not been established through investigation or legal proceedings; police seized the money in connection with the complaint.
Reasons for withdrawals
Candidates’ and Opposition Allegations
Some candidates, including Pali independent candidate Leela Devi Sanklecha, cited political pressure, while withdrawals in other areas were portrayed as party-level maneuvering.
Party and Official Positions
BJP district president Punjilal Gayri said Congress had been unable to field a candidate in Banswara’s Ward 12, while several withdrawals produced uncontested victories.
Key facts
- Candidates remaining
- 38,891 candidates remain after withdrawals.
- Withdrawals
- 10,112 candidates withdrew nominations.
- Civic bodies
- The elections cover 309 civic bodies.
- Wards
- There are 10,245 wards in the contests.
- Rejected nominations
- More than 17,000 nomination papers were rejected during scrutiny.
- Unopposed candidates
- At least 77 candidates were elected unopposed.
- Alleged inducement
- Independent candidate Rohit Sen alleged that Rs 1 lakh was offered for his withdrawal; police seized the money.
Sources
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