In a significant political development in Bikaner, the Congress party received a major boost on Friday regarding the Municipal Corporation Mayor elections. Navratan Daga, who had initially filed his nomination as an independent candidate against the party's authorized candidate Anil Kalla, officially withdrew his papers. This move has provided a sigh of relief to the Congress leadership, which was concerned about internal rebellion affecting the election outcome. Daga stated that senior party leaders engaged in a dialogue with him and addressed his concerns, leading to his decision to step back and support the party's official choice.
Meeting with Govind Singh Dotasra
Navratan Daga revealed that his decision came after a productive meeting with the Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee President, Govind Singh Dotasra. Daga emphasized that he was never against the party's core values or its leadership. He explained that filing the nomination as an independent was a strategic move to ensure his voice and concerns reached the top leadership of the party. After being satisfied with the discussions and assurances provided by the senior leaders, he decided to return to the party fold completely. He reiterated his commitment to the Congress and expressed his full support for Anil Kalla's candidacy.
Unity and Vision for Bikaner
Following the withdrawal of his nomination, Daga addressed the media and asserted that the Congress party stands completely united in Bikaner. He expressed confidence that the Congress would successfully form the board in the Municipal Corporation. Daga shared a vision where all party members and councilors would work collectively for the holistic development of the city. He remarked that the Congress-led board in Bikaner would set a benchmark for the entire state of Rajasthan through its exemplary work, while the focus, according to him, will remain on prioritizing public issues and ensuring that the city's infrastructure and services are Importantly improved.
Presence of Senior Leadership
The process of nomination withdrawal took place in the presence of several high-ranking Congress leaders, showcasing a united front. Notable figures included former minister BD Kalla, City Congress President Madan Gopal Meghwal, Rural Congress President Bishnaram Siyag, and State Secretary Shivlal Godara. A large number of party workers and supporters were also present at the scene. With Daga's withdrawal, the party's primary focus has now shifted towards maintaining absolute unity among the party councilors to ensure a decisive victory for Anil Kalla.
BD Kalla Criticizes Administrative Role
During the event, former minister BD Kalla raised serious concerns regarding the role of the administration and police in various parts of the state during the election process. He backed the allegations previously made by former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and PCC Chief Govind Singh Dotasra, while kalla stated that the Congress party has already brought these issues to the attention of the Election Commission. He emphasized that government officials must perform their duties with complete impartiality and transparency. He warned that any form of discrimination or bias during the election process wouldn't be tolerated, and officials must strictly adhere to the laws and regulations governing their roles.
Warning to Biased Officials
BD Kalla further added that the Congress party is closely monitoring officials who are allegedly attempting to influence the election process through unfair means. He suggested that if any government official has a personal interest in politics or elections, they should resign from their official positions and enter the political arena legitimately. He made it clear that the Congress party wouldn't accept politics of discrimination from those who are supposed to serve the public neutrally while holding government office. He stressed that the integrity of the democratic process depends on the neutrality of the administrative machinery.
The Manoj Bishnoi Hotel Controversy
The former minister also highlighted a specific incident involving Congress councilor Manoj Bishnoi. He questioned the timing of a notice issued to Bishnoi's hotel by the Bikaner Development Authority. Kalla pointed out that demanding a response within just 2 days in the middle of an election period appears to be a form of political pressure. He argued that such actions are inappropriate in a healthy democracy and that the public is keenly observing these developments. He concluded by saying that administrative actions during elections shouldn't create any doubt or suspicion in the minds of the citizens regarding the fairness of the process.