Jaipur, Sep 21: Rajasthan BJP president Madan Rathore on Monday claimed the party had won the mayor and chairperson posts in more than 200 urban local bodies, saying the results reflected people’s endorsement of the development works undertaken by the Bhajanlal Sharma government.
Elections for mayors, chairpersons and presidents were held in 273 urban local bodies on Monday after heads of 32 of the 305 bodies covered under the current schedule were elected unopposed. Elections in Jaipur, Jodhpur and Kota municipal corporations and Suket municipality are scheduled for September 25.
Rathore said results in some civic bodies were still awaited.
“The people of Rajasthan have given us their full blessings. They have put their stamp of approval on the development works carried out by Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma,” Rathore told reporters.
He said the BJP had won six of the seven municipal corporations where elections for mayor were held on Monday, and has also received strong support in municipal councils and municipalities.
Rathore credited the results to the work of the Narendra Modi government at the Centre and the Sharma government in the state, citing housing and sanitation schemes, strengthening railways and roads, power sector reforms and measures to attract industries.
He also claimed that the state government had acted against paper leaks and strengthened policing.
“The Congress is still divided. They will not even be able to cross the 100 mark. We have already won more than 200 and some results are still awaited,” Rathore claimed.
He thanked voters and said the results showed that people had reposed faith in the BJP’s manifesto.
“Our elected representatives will remain dedicated to public service,” he said.
Rathore also expressed confidence about the forthcoming panchayat elections and said the party would review its performance in places where it fell short of expectations.
Responding to the Congress’ allegations that the BJP had misused the police and administration to influence councillors, Rathore rejected the charge.
“We have never misused power. You cannot hold someone’s hand and make them vote. Voting is done voluntarily,” he said, accusing the Congress of disrespecting the mandate.
Referring to the Pali Municipal Corporation, Rathore said Independent councillors approached the BJP on the day the ward results were declared and expressed their willingness to support the party and the party has formed the board.
Rathore belongs to Pali.
He said the BJP would review its performance in Bikaner, where it had lagged behind the Congress. (PTI)
