No holds barred as BJP, Congress slug it out for control of Rajasthan civic bodies, Rajasthan High Court steps in

The BJP has claimed victory in 197 of the 301 chairperson positions in Rajasthan's recent civic polls, while the Congress has made significant gains. In seven corporations, the BJP won six mayoral elections. However, allegations of intimidation, including gunfire and abductions, have arisen in Sri Ganganagar, leading the Rajasthan High Court to intervene.

The High Court ordered the release of councillors detained by the Haryana Police and postponed the election by a week. Congress leader Imran Khan alleged that the Haryana Police interfered with their councillors' travel to cast their votes. In the Tijara Municipal Council, Congress claimed that 18 councillors were stopped by the Haryana Police as they traveled from Himachal Pradesh.

The court directed the Superintendent to trace the councillors and ensure they cast their votes. In Ajmer district, the BJP alleged that Congress attempted to influence one of its councillors for payment. The Congress won the mayor's post, while the BJP secured the mayor's position in Pali corporation. The Aam Aadmi Party won the chairperson post in Baran Municipal Council, marking the end of the BJP and Congress's rule in that civic body.