Alwar: The political landscape in Alwar district is heating up as BJP and Congress have intensified their efforts to win over independent councillors ahead of mayoral and chairperson voting on Sept 21 and 22. Both parties, which have fallen short of the majority mark in Alwar Municipal Corporation election, are vying for a pivotal advantage.BJP has reportedly forged alliances with six independent councillors, effectively creating a ‘fencing’ around newly elected members to solidify its position on the governing board. With elections contested in a total of 65 wards, BJP secured victory in 28 wards, while Congress has won 23 wards. Both parties are still short of the majority threshold of 33.Newly elected BJP councillor Ajay Poonia is actively working to garner support from independent councillors, with BJP needing just five of the 13 independents, who have emerged victorious, to secure a win in the mayoral election on Sept 21.On the other hand, Congress faces a daunting task; to form its governing board in the corporation, it must rally 10 councillors, a challenge made more difficult as many independents appear to favour the ruling BJP.Accusations of election misconduct have also surfaced, particularly from Congress, which has claimed that BJP is misusing govt machinery. Opposition leader Tikaram Jully alleged, “Police are forcibly picking up independent councillors and taking them to the BJP camp.”He even raised the issue with Alwar’s Superintendent of Police Sudhir Chaudhary, asserting, “I myself am handing over the independent councillor to the police, which is engaged in getting a BJP board formed.”The district SP confirmed his meeting with Jully but noted that no formal complaint was lodged. Chaudhary said, “Action will be taken upon receiving a written complaint from the family members of any councillor.”In response, BJP district president Ashok Gupta expressed confidence, saying, “BJP has achieved major success in 12 urban bodies in Alwar district and will form boards everywhere.” Congress district president Prakash Gangawat, on the other hand, condemned BJP’s actions as an exploitation of govt machinery, promising that his party will secure chairperson positions and boards throughout the district.
