Rajasthan Elections / There will be no urban body elections in Rajasthan this year, big statement by minister Jhabar Singh Kharra

Rajasthan Elections: Urban body elections will not be held in Rajasthan this year. Due to the delay in the initial preparations of the state government, now there is a plan to conduct these elections in January or February 2026 next year. Urban Development and Autonomous Governance Minister Jhabar Singh Kharra has clarified that the processes of the Election Commission and OBC Commission will be completed only by the first week of December 2025. Even after this, at least one more month is needed for technical and administrative preparations. Because of this, it is not possible to hold elections in December, even though the minister had been talking about holding elections in December earlier.

Increasing number of urban bodies

The total number of Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils and Municipalities in the state has now become 309. This number has increased continuously in the last few years, due to which the pressure on the administrative arrangements has also increased. During the tenure of the previous government, elections were held in 196 urban bodies, but at present administrators are appointed in 49 bodies and newly formed bodies. By December 2025, the term of the boards of 56 more bodies will end, after which administrators will have to be appointed in them too.

Appointment of administrators and lack of urban government

If the elections are postponed till February or March 2026, then all 196 urban bodies will lack elected 'urban government'. In these bodies, the responsibility will be handed over to the administrators, which will affect the participation of public representatives at the local level. This situation will not only increase administrative challenges, but may also cause delay in local development works and resolution of public problems.

Challenges and way forward

The main reason for the delay in elections is the time taken in technical and administrative preparations. The need for time to complete the process of OBC Commission, updating of voter list, and other administrative works has created a complex situation in front of the government. Experts believe that if the government does not complete these preparations in a timely manner, this delay may increase further.

Meanwhile, the public and opposition parties are keeping an eye on the preparations of the government. The delay in elections is not only affecting the functioning of urban bodies, but it is also raising questions on the credibility of local leadership and public representatives. It is important for the government to complete these processes as soon as possible so that the democratic system can be restored in urban bodies.