Jaipur: AICC secretary and Rajasthan co-incharge Chiranjeev Rao began consultations with Congress councillors and leaders in Bikaner Sunday to ascertain the reasons for the party’s defeat in the deputy mayor election despite having a clear majority in the 80-member municipal corporation. Congress has 41 councillors against BJP’s 27.BJP’s Pankaj Gehlot defeated Congress’ Naseem Bano 40-38 in the election. One vote was invalid and one went to NOTA, triggering anger within Congress and allegations of cross-voting.Congress city president Madan Gopal Meghwal has written to PCC chief Govind Singh Dotasra seeking a high-level inquiry into the defeat.In his letter to Dotasra, Meghwal has sought an inquiry into the four-vote gap between Congress’s strength and the votes polled by its candidate, besides the two votes that did not go to either candidate. He has also demanded action against those found responsible.Speaking to TOI, Rao said, “The reason for my visit to Bikaner is to look into several issues, including cross-voting. We will also discuss preparations for the panchayati raj elections and mobilise youth for our proposed protest against CEC Gyanesh Kumar.”Congress’s Naseem Bano lost the deputy mayor election to BJP’s Pankaj Gehlot, 38-40, despite Congress having 41 councillors in the 80-member House. One vote was invalid and one went to NOTA.Rao, who is on a four-day visit, is meeting councillors, senior members and other party functionaries to assess the reasons behind the poll setback. His consultations will also cover the party’s preparations for the panchayat elections, including organisation and ticket distribution.Rao will subsequently visit Dholpur to look into allegations concerning Congress MLA Shobharani Kushwaha, including claims regarding delay in distribution of party symbols to the Congress candidate for the chairperson post and alleged support to BJP-backed candidate Girish Garg.
