Gehlot seeks prez, guv intervention over delay in panchayat, local body polls

JAIPUR: Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Tuesday urged the President and the Governor to intervene over the delay in panchayat and urban local body elections in Rajasthan, alleging violation of constitutional provisions.Addressing media at his Civil Lines residence, Gehlot said the Constitution framed by B R Ambedkar mandates timely elections to democratic institutions, including panchayats, municipal bodies and cooperatives, but these have not been held despite court directions. He accused the ruling dispensation of celebrating Ambedkar’s birth anniversary without adhering to his principles.Citing remarks by Rahul Gandhi, Gehlot said concerns over saving the Constitution stem from the weakening of democratic institutions such as the judiciary and investigative agencies. He noted that even after directions from the Supreme Court and the Rajasthan High Court, along with April deadlines, elections remain pending.Calling the situation serious, Gehlot said the President and Governor must ensure polls are conducted on time and questioned the govt’s moral authority to continue if it fails to comply.