Former Rajasthan Chief Minister and senior Congress leader, Ashok Gehlot, on Friday launched a sharp attack on the Bhajanlal Sharma government over the delay in Panchayat and Urban Local Body elections, citing the Rajasthan High Court's strong oral observation that "if the Commission cannot conduct elections, let us know; judges will get it done."
Gehlot said the court's remark was a reflection of the state's "gross administrative failure" and described the situation as "shameful" for the BJP government in the state.
During the hearing on Thursday, the High Court expressed dissatisfaction over the prolonged delay in the electoral process and orally remarked that if the Rajasthan State Election Commission was unable to conduct the elections, "let us know; judges will get it done." Reacting to the court's observations, Gehlot alleged that the delay reflected the state government's "gross administrative failure."
In a post on X, the senior Congress leader said, "What could be more shameful for the state government than the fact that, due to the deliberate delay in Panchayat and local body elections, the Hon'ble High Court had to say, 'If the Commission cannot conduct elections, let us know; judges will get it done.' This is proof of the Rajasthan government's gross administrative failure."
Gehlot further referred to submissions made before the High Court that the State Election Commission had written six letters to the Panchayati Raj Department seeking information on reservation for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), and women, but had not received the required details.
He alleged that this indicated the Panchayati Raj Department was functioning under government pressure and claimed the Rajasthan government had no intention of holding the elections on time.
"The government is rendering constitutional institutions ineffective," Gehlot said. The former chief minister also accused the Rajasthan government of repeatedly disregarding court directions, calling it an affront to constitutional principles and the judiciary.
"A government that fails to respect the judiciary and obstructs democratic processes has no moral or constitutional right to remain in power. Such a situation is highly detrimental to democracy," he said.
During Thursday's hearing, the Rajasthan High Court directed the state government and the State Election Commission to submit a road map for conducting Panchayat and Urban Local Body elections.
The court also asked the government to place the OBC Commission's report on record and complete the reservation process by July 20. It further directed the officials concerned to appear in person on the next date of hearing with complete details regarding the election schedule. The state government has not yet publicly responded to Gehlot's allegations.
--IANS
