BJP deploys out-of-state leaders for Rajasthan local polls

The BJP has appointed senior leaders from outside Rajasthan to oversee the upcoming urban local body elections, a first for the party in the state. Party president Nitin Nabin named former Uttar Pradesh MP Harish Dwivedi as the main election in-charge, with Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule and Delhi Social Welfare Minister Ravindra Indrajit Singh as co-in-charges.

The New Indian Express reports the move signals how seriously the BJP is taking these polls, as the Bhajanlal Sharma government faces possible anti-incumbency after completing more than half its term and recent infighting. The party has also appointed district in-charges across all 48 organisational districts. Political observers cited by the paper note the party chose to hold municipal polls before panchayat elections, believing it has a stronger urban base.

Urban local body elections in Rajasthan must be completed by September 20 and panchayat polls by November 15, the state government told the Rajasthan High Court. The polls will cover 76 newly created municipalities, expanding urban local bodies from 309 to 385.