Jaipur, April 14: Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has urged President Murmu and the Governor to intervene regarding the delays in urban local body (ULB) and Panchayati Raj elections in Rajasthan.
Speaking to the media in Jaipur, Gehlot accused the BJP-led state government of deliberately postponing these elections, labeling the situation as a constitutional crisis.
He argued that conducting timely elections for Panchayati Raj institutions and ULBs is a constitutional obligation rooted in B.R. Ambedkar’s vision. Gehlot questioned the government’s moral authority to remain in power if it fails to hold elections on schedule.
Despite celebrating Ambedkar Jayanti, he criticized the BJP for allegedly ignoring his constitutional principles. According to Gehlot, institutions like Panchayats, municipalities, and cooperatives are the backbone of grassroots democracy.
He pointed out that not only are the Panchayat and municipality elections pending, but elections for cooperatives have also not been conducted.
“If they truly believed in Ambedkar’s ideals, these elections would be held on time,” he stated.
Expressing concern over the delays, Gehlot noted that both the Supreme Court and High Court had issued clear directives to conduct these elections within a stipulated timeframe, reportedly by April.
He remarked that despite judicial instructions, the elections have not taken place, raising serious questions and indicating a breakdown in constitutional order.
Gehlot accused those in power of lacking genuine faith in constitutional values. Referring to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, he stated that the repeated call to ‘save the Constitution’ reflects growing concerns over the weakening of democratic institutions.
He further emphasized the stark contrast between what is said and what is done.
Highlighting the irony, Gehlot noted that while political leaders celebrate Ambedkar Jayanti on April 14, their actions often contradict his ideals.
He warned that undermining democratic institutions and delaying elections weakens the very foundation of India’s constitutional framework.
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