The Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee (RPCC) held a Panchayati Raj Empowerment Conference in Jaipur, criticizing the BJP government for undermining constitutional institutions and rural democracy. RPCC President Govind Singh Dotasra accused the state government of violating the Constitution by not conducting Panchayati Raj elections for over six years, despite the constitutional mandate for elections every five years. This lack of elections has led to the imposition of administrators on village panchayats and the removal of Pradhans and Zila Parishad members, halting rural governance and development funds for two years.
Dotasra highlighted the BJP’s suspension of elected Pradhans without justification, going against the vision of empowering grassroots democracy as envisioned by former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi through the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments. He also criticized the delay in constituting the OBC Commission, which has further delayed elections. The RPCC President warned of potential financial losses for Rajasthan due to the BJP’s indecision and criticized the weakening of MNREGA, leading to a collapse in rural employment.
Moreover, Dotasra emphasized that the people of Rajasthan are aware of the BJP’s actions and are prepared to respond at the ballot box. The conference, attended by various political figures and civil society activists, aimed to shed light on the challenges faced by rural governance in the state.
