Jaipur: Electioneering for polls in 46
civic bodies across Rajasthan slated for November 23 ended
this evening, setting the stage for the first major face-off
between the state's ruling Congress and main opposition BJP
since the assembly elections a year ago.
This is the first time that Mayors and Chairmen of
municipal councils will be elected directly.
Four municipal corporations of Jaipur, Kota, Bikaner
and Jodhpur, 11 municipal councils, and 31 municipalities
would go for polls day ater tomorrow and altogether 1612
councillors and 46 heads (Mayor/ Chairman) would be elected.
Altogether 6449 candidates, including 23 for four
Mayor posts in Jaipur, Kota, Jodhpur, and Bikaner are in the
fray. 247 candidates are vying for Chairman posts in 11
municipal councils and 31 municipalities.
Nineteen candidates have already been elected
unopposed and they include 11 of the state's ruling Congress
party, 4 each of BJP and Independents.
Since Mayors of municipal corporations and Chairmen of
municipal councils will be elected directly, every voter would
have to cast two votes, one for ward member and another for
either Mayor or Chairman as per the nature of the civic body.
Earlier, Mayors and Chairmen were elected by
councillors.
About 14,000 EVMs would be used in the polls for which
56,59,790 voters are eligible to exercise their franchise.
The results would be declared on November 26.
Bureau Report