Jaipur civic poll candidates sequestered in resorts; some Congress workers return home
After Jaipur civic poll results, candidates from BJP and Congress stayed at resorts to prevent horse-trading. Some Congress candidates left, citing poor food and room arrangements.
Candidates from both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress, who were put up at resorts in Jaipur after the civic body elections, continued to stay there on Monday as results were declared. The move was aimed at preventing horse-trading, with the candidates shifted to the resorts on September 12, a day after polling concluded.
The Congress lodged its candidates at Asithiriya Resort near Nayi Ka Nath Dham in Bassi, while BJP leaders stayed at Bhanwar Resort on Delhi Road. The candidates were transported in buses and asked to pack enough clothes and essentials to last until September 21, which was expected to be the date for nomination of mayor candidates. However, that date is likely to be postponed as five booths in Jaipur are set to go for re-polling.
A number of Congress candidates were unhappy with the arrangements and left their resort late on September 12 night, alleging poor accommodation and food. These included candidates from Malviya Nagar, Sanganer and Bagru Assembly constituencies. Candidates from the Civil Lines constituency turned back midway after being informed by others about the conditions at the resort.
Deepak Dandoriya, son of candidate Meena Dandoriya, said the arrangement was not good and not many rooms were available. He added that due to the arrival of candidates from Alwar, there was not enough space, so his mother decided to return. According to the candidates, Congress candidates from Alwar had also been accommodated at the same resort by Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully, leading to a shortage of rooms for Jaipur candidates. Women candidates reportedly faced greater difficulties, with several accompanied by their children.
Those who remained at the venue said they struggled to find food after reaching the resort. Several candidates had arrived without having dinner at home, expecting arrangements to be made, but complained that adequate food was not available. The situation reportedly became tense late at night when some candidates tried to leave but security did not let them go. They were later allowed to leave.
Congress Spokesperson Swarnim Chaturvedi said there were a few mistakes initially which is why some candidates went back, but now the preparations are complete and councillors all over the state are being kept in a proper manner.
With the BJP getting 78 seats and the Congress clinching 53 so far out of the 150 total seats in Jaipur, the losing candidates of both parties have been sent home. Candidates will be kept at the resorts till the mayor is appointed.