Senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot criticized the BJP-led Rajasthan government for not holding Panchayat and Urban Local Body elections for over a year, alleging it has pushed the state into a “constitutional crisis.” Gehlot emphasized that the delay and the appointment of government administrators instead of elected representatives signify an undemocratic approach and a direct attack on democratic institutions.
Gehlot highlighted that the failure to conduct timely elections goes against constitutional provisions, specifically Articles 243E and 243U, which mandate five-year tenures and prompt elections for Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies. He pointed out that Article 243K entrusts this responsibility to an independent State Election Commission, emphasizing the government’s disregard for these constitutional mandates.
Accusing the state government of attempting to postpone elections using reasons like delimitation and the ‘One State, One Election’ initiative, Gehlot referenced a Supreme Court ruling that deemed such justifications invalid for delaying polls. Despite directives from the Rajasthan High Court in 2025, the government failed to take action, leading to a situation where the judiciary had to set a final deadline of April 15, 2026, for conducting elections.
Gehlot condemned the prolonged denial of voting rights and the government’s non-compliance with judicial orders, labeling the situation as a “constitutional breakdown.” He stressed that democracy’s essence lies in upholding the Constitution and ensuring accountability, asserting that the people of Rajasthan will not tolerate the violation of their rights.
