Shimla, May 25
A Bharatiya Janata Party delegation led by BJP Himachal Pradesh President Dr. Rajeev Bindal met Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla at Lok Bhawan today and raised concerns regarding alleged interference in Panchayati Raj and Urban Local Body elections by the Congress-led state government. Leader of Opposition and former Chief Minister Jairam Thakur was also present during the meeting along with several senior BJP leaders and office bearers.
The delegation submitted a memorandum to the Governor highlighting what BJP termed as repeated attempts by the state government to manipulate democratic processes, amend rules during the election period, and influence the public mandate through administrative and political pressure. Addressing the media after the meeting, BJP State President Dr. Bindal said the BJP delegation approached the Governor to protect democracy and constitutional values in Himachal Pradesh. He stated that Panchayati Raj and Municipal elections are the foundation of democracy and traditionally non-party-based in the state, but despite this, the Congress government and Chief Minister were allegedly interfering in the election process.
Dr. Bindal accused the state government of changing rules and amending provisions after the election process had already begun. He alleged that amendments in reservation-related provisions and changes in rules governing the election of Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons of Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats were aimed at giving excessive discretionary powers to officials and indirectly benefiting Congress leaders through backdoor political influence.
Dr. Bindal further stated that the Congress party was facing strong public anger across the state and was heading towards a major defeat in the ongoing local body elections. According to him, Congress had failed to officially nominate candidates in several places due to fear of defeat. Dr. Bindal alleged that the government was now trying to manipulate the election process to politically safeguard itself.
Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur also strongly criticized the Congress government, alleging continuous attempts to weaken democratic institutions in the state. He claimed that the government had earlier tried to delay Panchayat elections but failed in both the High Court and Supreme Court, and that the elections were now being conducted only because of Supreme Court directives.
Thakur further accused the Chief Minister of openly violating the Model Code of Conduct by announcing financial incentives and development funds during election rallies in favour of Congress-backed candidates. He said announcements ranging from ₹50 lakh to ₹1 crore for development works were made publicly, which amounted to a direct violation of election norms.
Thakur also claimed that BJP-backed candidates had secured clear majorities in a large number of Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats across Himachal Pradesh. According to him, BJP-supported candidates had achieved majority in 18 out of 25 Municipal Councils and 12 out of 22 Nagar Panchayats. He alleged that after witnessing these results, the Congress government amended rules related to the election of Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons to delay the process and create possibilities for political pressure and horse-trading.
Thakur alleged that elected representatives were being threatened with vigilance inquiries, transfers, and administrative action if they did not support Congress-backed groups. He further stated that cabinet decisions were taken and publicized during the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct, including announcements related to financial assistance schemes and honorarium hikes, which BJP believes were intended to influence voters and elected representatives.
The BJP delegation urged the Governor to intervene and ensure protection of democratic values, constitutional processes, and the sanctity of the people’s mandate in Himachal Pradesh.
