Shimla, April 9: Political tensions have intensified in Himachal Pradesh over the upcoming Panchayati Raj and urban local body elections, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leveling serious allegations against the ruling Congress government.
BJP state president Dr. Rajeev Bindal launched a sharp attack on the government led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, accusing it of attempting to undermine democratic processes. He claimed that the government had earlier tried to delay the elections for nearly two years, taking the matter up to the Supreme Court.
Referring to the court’s directive to conduct elections before May 31, Dr. Bindal alleged that the government has now resorted to “new tactics” that raise concerns about transparency in the electoral process.
He specifically pointed to frequent changes in the reservation roster, claiming that constituencies are being reclassified repeatedly—sometimes as Scheduled Caste, then open, and later reserved for women—creating confusion among prospective candidates.
“This is not an election process, but a ‘suitability model’ driven by political convenience rather than rules,” he remarked, adding that such actions go against the spirit of the Panchayati Raj Act and Article 243D of the Constitution, which mandates a transparent and fixed system for reservation.
Dr. Bindal also alleged that administrative officials are working under political pressure, leading to uncertainty and tension in both rural and urban areas. He said that frequent changes in the roster have discouraged youth, women, and other sections of society who intend to contest the elections.
Accusing the Congress of fearing electoral defeat, he claimed that attempts are being made to manipulate the election process itself.
The BJP leader concluded by stating that the party will raise the issue at all levels—from the streets to the courts—to ensure transparency and fairness in the electoral process.