Accusing the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh of violating the election model code of conduct to influence urban local body and panchayat polls, the BJP on Monday marched to Lok Bhawan and sought Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla’s intervention in the matter.
A BJP delegation led by state president Rajeev Bindal and Leader of Opposition Jai Ram Thakur submitted a memorandum to the Governor, alleging that the state government was changing rules to “hijack” the elections.
“The Congress government is openly violating the model code of conduct. Changes are being made in reservation rosters and powers are being handed over to Deputy Commissioners to influence the electoral process,” Bindal alleged.
He claimed that the ruling Congress was attempting to manipulate the outcome after sensing defeat in the urban local body and panchayat elections. “This is nothing short of insulting the mandate of the people and encouraging horse-trading,” he said.
Jai Ram Thakur alleged that norms and procedures were being flouted to influence elected representatives in favour of the Congress. He claimed that the BJP had won 25 out of 28 Municipal Councils and 12 out of 22 Nagar Panchayats.
The BJP leaders also objected to Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu allegedly announcing financial incentives for areas voting in favour of the Congress, terming it a violation of the model code of conduct.
The opposition further alleged that the timing rules for the election of Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons in local bodies had been altered, giving Deputy Commissioners discretionary powers that could lead to political pressure and horse-trading.
The BJP also criticised the state Cabinet for allegedly taking decisions such as providing Rs 15,000 to women during the election period.
Polling for 51 urban local bodies was held on March 17, while panchayat elections are being conducted in three phases on May 26, 28 and 30.
