Jaipur, Aug 31 (IANS) As the deadline to file nominations for elections to 309 local bodies across Rajasthan ends on Monday, both the BJP and Congress are yet to announce the names of their candidates.
So far, the Congress has declared candidates for select seats in the Udaipur Municipal Corporation, Barmer Municipal Council, Bhiwadi Municipal Council, Chomu Municipal Council, and the municipalities of Kaladera, Nawalgarh and Dundlod.
According to reports, several candidates are currently filing their nomination papers independently. The parties are expected to submit the required documents for allotment of their official election symbols after the nomination process.
Meanwhile, both the BJP and Congress are likely to announce at least some of their candidates before the nomination deadline expires. The delay in announcing candidate lists by both major parties could significantly affect the electoral equations.
A large number of aspirants in the BJP and Congress have been seeking party tickets, and those who are denied nominations may choose to contest as Independents. In several wards, prospective candidates have already begun public outreach and campaigning.
If they fail to secure party tickets, many could enter the fray independently, potentially leading to triangular or multi-cornered contests.
With the nomination deadline approaching, pressure has intensified on both the BJP and Congress to finalise and release their candidate lists. Senior leaders from both parties are engaged in last-minute deliberations over ticket distribution.
The electoral picture is expected to become clearer once the lists are formally announced. The key question now is whether ticket aspirants who are denied party nominations will remain with their respective parties or contest as Independents.
Their decisions could have a direct bearing on the outcome in several wards.
Meanwhile, villagers from 12 villages in Pindwara tehsil of Sirohi district have announced a boycott of the Panchayati Raj elections in protest against the proposed mining project. The decision was taken during a collective meeting held late Sunday evening.
The villagers said they would not allow elections to be conducted in the area until the proposed mining project is cancelled. They also announced that political leaders would not be allowed to enter their villages during the election period.
Candidates can file their nomination papers between 10:15 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on Monday. With political parties expected to release more candidate lists on the final day, a significant increase in the number of candidates and supporters at nomination centres is anticipated.
–IANS
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