They Waited Alone at Night. Harassers Walked Right Into the Police Trap | #Rajasthan I Witness
A woman stands alone at a bus stop in Bhilwara, late at night. A car pulls up. The driver wont take no for an answer. She was a police personnel in plain clothes, and a team was tracking her every move. In this video, Rajasthan police officer Neha Singh Rao recounts the two-day decoy operation she led in May this year, in which 15 women constables waited in public places to catch harassers, and 18 people were apprehended, some of them minors, some of them married men with children.
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Posing as Solo Travelers: Rajasthan Police Trap Harassers in Undercover Operation
What happens when women police officers pose as women travelling alone? In Bhilwara, Rajasthan, plainclothes policewomen waited at bus stops and other public places as part of a two-day operation targeting harassment earlier this year.Men approached them. Some offered rides. Others persisted after being refused. One allegedly offered alcohol and asked a plainclothes constable to go for a ride. The police were watching from a distance.By the end of the operation, 18 people had been apprehended.But what shocked the officer leading the operation, Neha Singh Rao, wasnt the arrests or the minors. It was how ordinary many of the men appeared, including married men with children.
Bhilwara Power Cut Today, October 7: 4-Hour Electricity Shutdown from 8 AM to 12 PM
Bhilwara, October 7 (Udaipur Kiran): Several areas of Bhilwara will face a four-hour power cut today due to scheduled electricity maintenance work. Power supply will remain disrupted from 8 AM to 12 PM in areas connected to multiple 11 KV feeders. According to AVNL Assistant Engineer Harish Kumar Tailor, the shutdown has been scheduled for ... Read more Bhilwara Power Cut Today, October 7: 4-Hour Electricity Shutdown from 8 AM to 12 PM
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Congress forms panel to probe cross-voting, civic poll setbacks in Rajasthan
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Oct 3 (IANS) The Congress party has initiated an internal probe into allegations of cross-voting and organisational lapses during Rajasthan's recent urban local body elections, with the party constituting a nine-member committee to examine its setbacks in several civic bodies. The committee has been set up under former Rajasthan Assembly Speaker Dr C.P. Joshi to examine the party's setbacks in several local bodies, including allegations of cross-voting and poor floor management. The committee has been asked to submit its report within seven days. The committee includes Ramsingh Kaswan, Murarilal Meena, Kuldeep Indora, Pramod Jain Bhaya, Shakuntala Rawat, Hakam Ali, Ganesh Ghoghra and Raghuvir Singh Rathore. The Pradesh Congress Committee has collected reports from different districts regarding councillors who allegedly voted against official Congress candidates during elections for mayors and chairpersons. Party sources said preparations are underway for disciplinary action against councillors found responsible for cross-voting. Reports have suggested that the number of Congress councillors under scrutiny could be in the hundreds, although the final number will depend on the inquiry and verification of individual cases. The controversy gained prominence after Congress candidates lost elections in several local bodies despite the party having a significant number of councillors. In Bikaner, for example, Congress had 41 councillors against the BJP's 27, but the BJP candidate won the deputy mayor election 40-38, prompting allegations of cross-voting and a demand for an inquiry. The Congress leadership has also taken note of the party's performance in municipal corporations and other local bodies, including Ajmer, Kota and Pali. The Congress had earlier sought reports on allegations of councillors being influenced or voting against party candidates. The party had also faced allegations from its own leaders concerning the handling of councillors during the process of forming civic bodies. The inquiry committee will examine the circumstances surrounding these setbacks and the role of party leaders and councillors. Another issue under discussion within the Rajasthan Congress is the Bhilwara controversy, where 17 Congress candidates were unable to contest with the party symbol after the required authority letters were not submitted on time. The issue created a major dispute within the local Congress organisation and reached the party's national leadership. The Rajasthan High Court later dismissed petitions filed by the affected candidates, leaving 53 Congress-authorised candidates in the field. Congress leaders in Bhilwara have continued to raise questions over responsibility for the episode. A recent protest by PCC member Manoj Paliwal outside the district Congress office again brought the issue into focus. Questions have also been raised over the role of senior local leaders Dhiraj Gurjar and Ramlal Jat. The Congress had also alleged that its councillors were subjected to pressure, inducements and attempts to influence their voting during the post-election process. PCC chief Govind Singh Dotasra subsequently sought an inquiry by the State Election Commission into allegations involving the administration and police.
Gujarat hooch case: Rajasthan man held for arranging materials used to pack toxic liquor
Digital Desk | Bhavnagar, Oct 1 (IANS) Gujarat Police's State Monitoring Cell (SMC) has arrested another accused in the methanol-laced liquor case in Bhavnagar district, bringing the total arrests in the case to 42, police said on Thursday. The latest accused has been identified as Ladulal alias Ganesh Kharol, 22, a resident of Mahendragarh village under Karoi police station in Rajasthan's Bhilwara district. He was arrested on September 30 at 6:45 p.m. with the assistance of the Rajasthan ATS. A court has granted his police custody remand until October 8. The case relates to the consumption of methanol-laced liquor in Bhavnagar district in August, which resulted in 13 deaths, according to reports at the time. The toxic liquor had affected more than 60 people. An FSL examination of a seized bottle found 38.59 per cent methanol and 0.94 per cent ethanol. The incident came to light after people fell ill following consumption of the liquor in the Vartej area. The initial deaths were registered as accidental deaths, but subsequent investigation established a link with poisonous liquor containing methanol. A case was then registered at Vartej police station against 21 people under Sections 105, 123, 61(2), 3(5), 274, 275, 345(3), 349 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita-2023 and Sections 65(A)(B)(D)(E)(F), 65A(2), 65A(3), 67(1)A, 81 and 83 of the Prohibition Act. The investigation was subsequently handed over to the State Monitoring Cell on the directions of DGP G.S. Malik. The agency has since expanded the probe beyond those initially named in the FIR to trace the wider supply chain involved in procuring chemicals, packaging material and other equipment used to manufacture and distribute the illicit liquor. According to the latest police investigation, Kharol was allegedly involved in arranging the cardboard boxes, empty glass bottles, bottle caps, stickers, and other materials used to package the liquor, and in getting these items transported from different places to Bhavnagar. Police said Kharol had been in contact with the alleged main accused, Gautam Solanki, for some time and that the two had decided to manufacture the liquor at Solanki's house. Kharol allegedly collected the material required to manufacture and package the illicit liquor. After the incident, Kharol allegedly learned that people were dying after consuming the liquor and fled Gujarat. Police further alleged that while fleeing, he contacted other accused persons and asked them to destroy mobile phones and other evidence. The State Monitoring Cell said Kharol knew the process of manufacturing the illicit liquor and allegedly participated in its manufacture for financial gain. With his arrest, the number of people arrested in the Bhavnagar case has now reached 42. Of these, 40 are currently in judicial custody, and one is in police custody, while the latest accused has been remanded to police custody until October 8, according to the State Monitoring Cell. Earlier reports had traced the toxic liquor to a network involving people from Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. Investigators had found that the liquor was packaged in bottles bearing the labels of a popular Indian-made foreign liquor brand, 'Royal Stag'. The investigation also established the presence of highly toxic methanol in the seized liquor. The State Monitoring Cell is continuing its investigation into the roles of the accused and the procurement and distribution network behind the methanol-laced liquor.
BJP wins six of seven mayoral polls in Rajasthan; Congress cries foul
The BJP defeated the Congress in Alwar, Udaipur, Pali and Ajmer, while its candidates were elected unopposed in Bharatpur and Bhilwara; the only consolation for Congress came in Bikaner
Local poll results show peoples confidence in BJP: Madan Rathore
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 21 (IANS) BJP Rajasthan president Madan Rathore on Monday said the local body election results reflected people's support and confidence in the BJP, crediting the partys performance to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's development agenda and the work of the Bhajanlal Sharma government in Rajasthan. Addressing a press conference after the results, Rathore thanked voters across the state and said the BJP had received widespread support in municipal corporations, municipal councils and municipalities. He said the mandate demonstrated public confidence in the partys leadership and its development-oriented approach. Rathore also said the state governments One State, One Election initiative had reduced election-related expenditure and would provide the government with more time to focus on development and public welfare. He noted that of the 10 municipal corporations in Rajasthan, results for seven were declared on Monday, with the BJP securing a majority in six. According to Rathore, BJP mayors were elected in Alwar, Bhilwara, Ajmer, Pali, Udaipur and Bharatpur. He said the people had endorsed the partys Sankalp Patra (manifesto) and that newly elected BJP representatives would work to fulfil its promises. Rathore added that BJP workers would approach voters with the same commitment during the upcoming Panchayat elections. He attributed the BJPs electoral performance to public faith in Prime Minister Modis development agenda and the work undertaken by the Bhajanlal Sharma government in Rajasthan. Rathore highlighted central government initiatives related to housing, sanitation, and infrastructure, including railway modernisation, doubling and electrification, road development, irrigation projects, and the construction and strengthening of dams. He also cited measures to support farmers, including increases in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and assistance under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi. Rathore said the Make in India initiative had promoted industrial development and investment, while efforts to attract investors aimed to create employment opportunities. In Rajasthan, he highlighted the state governments work on the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP), the Yamuna Water Agreement, water supply arrangements from Punjab and efforts to ensure the availability of Narmada water. He said the state government was providing additional financial assistance to farmers and focusing on expanding crop insurance benefits. Rathore also pointed to the Rising Rajasthan initiative, saying it had helped promote investment and industries in the state and contributed to employment generation. He said the government was undertaking recruitment drives to provide employment opportunities to young people. He further said the government had taken strict action against criminals and was working to strengthen healthcare, roads, electricity and other basic amenities. Responding to a question about Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasra, Rathore launched a personal political attack on his Congress counterpart. Dotasra is a big man; I cannot match him. He can secure benefits for his family, get jobs for family members and avail benefits despite falling under the OBC creamy layer category; I cannot compete with that, Rathore said. He also referred to the Congresss performance in the civic elections, saying the partys candidate in Sadri in Pali received zero votes. In contrast, the official Congress candidate in Pali received only three votes. How can I compare myself to him? We believe in the organisation, he said.
BJP wins 197 Rajasthan civic body posts, Congress bags 94; AAP springs surprise
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 21 (IANS) Results for 301 civic bodies in Rajasthan have been declared so far, with the BJP emerging as the dominant force in the mayoral and chairperson elections. BJP candidates have secured 197 posts, while Congress has won 94. Independents have bagged seven posts, while AAP, CPM and RLP have won one post each. The BJP has also secured mayoral posts in six of Rajasthan's seven municipal corporations whose results have been declared. Congress managed to retain the mayor's post in Bikaner. The results have produced several reversals for Congress, including in Ajmer and Pali, where the party initially appeared to have an advantage based on its councillor numbers. In Ajmer, BJP's Anamika Sharma was elected mayor after securing 43 votes, despite the BJP having won 32 councillor seats in the corporation. In Pali, BJP candidate Namita Bubakia won the mayoral election with 33 votes. The BJP secured 21 councillor seats, while Congress won 29. However, Congress candidate Sumitra Jain received only three votes. The BJP also secured the mayoral posts in Udaipur and Alwar. Paras Singhvi won in Udaipur, while Sumanlata Agarwal emerged victorious in Alwar. Agarwal secured 42 votes against Congress candidate Kamlesh Sharma, who received 23 votes. In Bikaner, Congress candidate Anil Kalla was elected mayor. Kalla is the nephew of former minister BD Kalla. Another notable result came from Atru municipality in Baran, where Congress candidate Nisha Nainwal defeated Krishna Murari Dilawar, brother of Education Minister Madan Dilawar, by three votes in the chairperson election. The results also saw the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) make a surprise entry by winning a civic body chairperson post. CPM and RLP also secured one post each, while independents won seven posts. It may be noted that elections had already been decided unopposed in 32 civic bodies, including the Bhilwara and Bharatpur municipal corporations. The electoral process is not yet complete. Elections for mayoral posts in three municipal corporations, including Jaipur, and one municipality are scheduled for September 25. With the remaining mayoral contests still to be decided, the final political picture of Rajasthan's urban local bodies will emerge only after the September 25 elections.
Rajasthan: Hanuman Beniwal's RLP retains Mundwa Board
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 21 (IANS) Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) candidate Alka Kandoi was elected chairperson of the Mundwa Municipal Council in Nagaur district of Rajasthan, securing the post for a second consecutive term. Kandoi polled 13 votes, defeating independent candidate Ghanshyam Sadawat, who secured 12 votes. Sadawat had rebelled against the BJP after being denied the party's ticket and contested the chairperson election as an independent. The most notable feature of the result was the performance of the BJP's official candidate, Geeta, who received no votes. The BJP had emerged as the largest party in the Mundwa municipal council elections, winning 10 councillor seats. Four independent councillors supported by the BJP also won, giving the BJP-backed camp the support of 14 councillors in the 20-member house. A total of 11 votes were required to secure the chairperson's post. The RLP had won seven councillor seats, while Congress had three. The RLP-Congress camp also received the support of a BJP rebel councillor, taking its strength to 11enough to secure the required majority. However, the final voting pattern saw Kandoi receive 13 votes, while Sadawat polled 12. The BJP's official candidate Geeta did not receive a single vote. During the selection of its chairperson candidate, the BJP chose Geeta, a first-time elected councillor, over leaders including Ghanshyam Sadawat and Ramakant Sharma. After being denied the ticket, Sadawat rebelled and entered the contest as an independent. The result allowed Kandoi to retain the chairperson's post for a second consecutive term, while the zero-vote tally for the BJP's official candidate emerged as one of the most striking results of the Mundwa civic election. It may be noted that elections had already been decided unopposed in 32 civic bodies, including the Bhilwara and Bharatpur municipal corporations.
Rajasthan local body polls: BJP candidates elected unopposed in 25 bodies
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 18 (IANS) The battle for the top posts in Rajasthans urban local bodies has entered a decisive phase following the announcement of councillor election results, with the BJP claiming unopposed victories for its candidates as chairpersons, sabhapatis and presidents in 25 civic bodies across the state. The BJP has also secured unopposed mayoral victories in the Bharatpur and Bhilwara Municipal Corporations, although the political circumstances in the two corporations are markedly different. While the BJP enjoys a clear numerical majority in Bhilwara, the Bharatpur outcome has emerged as a major political talking point because independent councillors won the largest number of seats in the corporation. The Bharatpur Municipal Corporation has 65 wards. In the recent civic elections, Independent candidates emerged as the largest group, winning 36 wards. The BJP won 20 seats, while the Congress secured 7. The BSP and RLP won one seat each. The numbers initially suggested that Independent councillors would play the decisive role in determining the next mayor, as no political party had a majority on its own. The BJP fielded Anuradha Singh as its mayoral candidate. Independent councillor Vichitra Singh from Ward 17 also entered the contest, reportedly with Congress backing, setting up the possibility of a closely contested mayoral election. However, the situation changed dramatically on September 18, when Vichitra Singh withdrew her nomination. With her withdrawal, Anuradha Singh became the sole candidate for the mayoral post and is set to be elected unopposed, subject to completion of the formal electoral process. The result is particularly significant for the BJP because Bharatpur is the home district of Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma. The BJP did not win a majority of the corporations 65 seats. Instead, Independents emerged as the largest bloc. Their numbers had therefore made them central to the mayoral contest. The withdrawal of the Independent candidate has now removed the need for a direct electoral contest for the mayors post. The development has also triggered a political confrontation between the BJP and Congress, with Congress leaders alleging that the Independent candidate was pressured into withdrawing her nomination. BJP leaders and the candidate have offered a different account of the decision. The circumstances surrounding Vichitra Singhs withdrawal have become a major point of contention. According to reports cited in connection with the development, Vichitra Singh met Rajasthan Minister of State for Home Jawahar Singh Bedham before withdrawing her nomination. The meeting reportedly lasted nearly two hours. Bedham subsequently met Vichitra Singhs husband, former Bharatpur Mayor Shiv Singh Bhont. After withdrawing her nomination, Vichitra Singh said she wanted to contribute to the development of Bharatpur and had taken the decision with that objective in mind. Congress leaders, however, have alleged that the withdrawal followed political pressure. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Rajasthan Congress president Govind Singh Dotasra have separately questioned the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal and accused the BJP government of using administrative machinery to influence the mayoral election. These allegations have been rejected by the BJP, which has maintained its political position on the development. The political arithmetic in Bhilwara was very different. The Bhilwara Municipal Corporation has 70 wards, with the BJP winning 45 seats and securing a clear majority. The Congress won 10 seats, while Independent candidates secured 15. The BJP nominated Jaswant Kanwar, who won from Ward 9, as its mayoral candidate. Independent candidate Santosh Kanwar had initially entered the mayoral race but withdrew her nomination on September 17. The Congress did not field a candidate for the mayoral post. Jaswant Kanwar was consequently elected mayor unopposed. Unlike Bharatpur, where Independents held the largest bloc, the Bhilwara outcome followed a clear BJP majority combined with the withdrawal of the only other candidate in the mayoral contest. According to information released by the BJP, its candidates have been elected unopposed to the posts of chairperson, sabhapati or president in 25 urban local bodies across Rajasthan. The developments followed the election of councillors in the states 309 urban local bodies. According to figures cited by the BJP, it emerged as the largest party in 148 urban local bodies, while the Congress was the largest party in 104. The remaining bodies have produced mixed electoral outcomes, with independents and other parties also holding significant representation in several councils. The Bharatpur result has highlighted a broader feature of the 2026 local body elections: the importance of Independent councillors in bodies where neither the BJP nor Congress has secured a majority. In Bharatpur, the 36 Independent councillors represented the largest bloc, compared with 20 BJP councillors and seven Congress councillors. That arithmetic initially made the mayoral contest a battle for independent support. The withdrawal of the Independent candidate, however, transformed the contest from a numerical battle into an unopposed election. The developments in Bharatpur and the wider Bharatpur-Deeg region have attracted particular attention because of the regions political significance and the BJP governments focus on strengthening its presence in local institutions. For the BJP, the unopposed mayoral outcome in Bharatpur comes despite the party not holding the largest number of councillor seats. In Bhilwara, by contrast, the partys unopposed mayoral victory follows a clear majority in the corporation. The two outcomes illustrate the different political equations emerging across Rajasthans urban local bodiesranging from clear party majorities to councils where independents hold the balance of power. With the election of mayors, chairpersons and presidents now underway, the focus is shifting from ward-level results to the political negotiations and alignments determining who will lead Rajasthans civic bodies for the coming term.
Rajasthan: BJPs Anuradha Singh set to become unopposed mayor of Bharatpur
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 18 (IANS) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Anuradha Singh is set to become the unopposed Mayor of Bharatpur Municipal Corporation after independent candidate Vichitra Singh withdrew her nomination in the presence of BJP government minister Jawahar Singh Bedham. Following the developments in Bhilwara, BJP State President Madan Rathore extended his best wishes to Singh, stating that public faith and trust in the BJP continue to strengthen. With Vichitra Singhs withdrawal, Anuradha Singh remains the sole candidate for the mayoral post, paving the way for her unopposed election. Rathore remarked that this growing trust in the BJP is reflected in the party securing unopposed mayoral and chairperson positions in approximately 18 civic bodies. He said independent councillors in Bharatpur have decided to join the BJP for the development of the region, expressing confidence in the partys ideology and the public-welfare policies of the Bhajanlal Sharma government. He added that the alignment of independent candidates and councillors with the BJP indicates their desire to work alongside the states BJP government for regional development. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, the state government is working with a focus on public welfare and development, Rathore said. Rathore further stated that the support received by the BJP in Bharatpur would provide new momentum to the regions development. He said the BJP is committed to working in the public interest with the spirit of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas (Together with all, Development for all). He added that not only in Bharatpur, but in several other places as well, BJP candidates are emerging as unopposed mayors and chairpersons. In some places, opposition candidates did not file nominations, while in others, independent candidates withdrew their nominations and extended their support to the BJP.
BJP leads Rajasthan civic polls, wins Jaipur MC board; independents emerge key players
The Bharatiya Janata Party leads Rajasthan urban local body elections, securing the Jaipur Municipal Corporation board. Independent candidates are emerging as key players in several civic bodies without clear majorities. Counting is complete in eight of ten municipal corporations across Rajasthan. The BJP is set to form boards in Jaipur, Kota, Udaipur, and Bhilwara.
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 14 (IANS) The results of elections to 10 municipal corporations in Rajasthan were declared on Monday. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured a majority in Jaipur, Udaipur, Bhilwara and Kota, while Congress secured a clear majority in Bikaner. Independent candidates are set to play a crucial role in board formation in Pali, Ajmer, Bharatpur and Jodhpur. Congress emerged as the largest party in Pali and Ajmer, while the BJP was the single-largest party in Alwar. Jodhpur witnessed a close contest between Congress and the BJP, while Independents emerged as the largest group in Bharatpur. Results for four wards in Jaipur and one ward in Jodhpur have been withheld due to re-polling. The results for these wards will be declared after the re-poll. Congress candidate Gazanfar Ali registered Rajasthan's biggest victory in Jaipur, winning Ward number 113 by a margin of 10,014 votes. In the high-profile Ward number 112, BJP candidate and former Jaipur Mayor Jyoti Khandelwal lost the election. Former state BJP spokesperson Vimal Katiyar also lost from Ward number 35 by 1,461 votes. Congress city district president Omkar Verma lost from Ward number 42 by 279 votes. In Ward number 51, 21-year-old Congress candidate Saraswati Prajapat won the election. Meanwhile, national-level football player and BJP candidate Vikas Raghwani won from Ward number 28. In Ward number 99, BJP candidate Nikita defeated former Congress Mayor Kunti Deora. Hitanshi Sharma, the daughter-in-law of the brother of former Union Minister Girija Vyas, won from Ward number 73. Poonam Kunwar, the wife of Udaipur city Congress president Fateh Singh Rathore, won from Ward number 17. Atul Chandaliya and Akash Vagrecha, brothers of the sons-in-law of Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, won from Ward numbers 78 and 5, respectively. Results for 99 of the 100 wards in the Jodhpur Municipal Corporation have been declared. Congress and the BJP have won 44 seats each. Independents secured 10 seats, while one seat went to a candidate from the Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP). The result for one ward has been withheld and will be declared after a re-poll at one of the booths. With Congress and the BJP tied at 44 seats each, Independent Councillors are likely to play a decisive role in the race for the Mayor's post. Following the Rajasthan civic body results, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and State BJP President Madan Rathore celebrated with party workers at the state BJP office. Supporters of Independent candidate Vikram Singh, who won from Ward number 29 in Jaipur, also celebrated his victory. BJP candidate Sunil Kothari's supporters celebrated his victory from Ward number 112 of the Jaipur Municipal Corporation. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot accused the BJP government of using police pressure to influence Congress and Independent Councillors following the civic body poll results. Gehlot on social media platform X said that the BJP, attled by its defeat in the urban body elections, was allegedly attempting to influence Independent and Congress Councillors in Jodhpur and Alwar to secure Mayoral posts. He also alleged that the BJP was misusing the police to achieve this. State BJP President Madan Rathore described the election results as public approval of the state government's development work. He said the BJP had received wo-and-a-half to three times more support than last time and claimed that the party had achieved 90 per cent success in the municipal corporations. Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma also termed the civic poll results an endorsement of the state government's work over the past two-and-a-half years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. He dedicated the victory to the people and BJP workers. Re-polling will be held at five polling booths in the Jaipur Municipal Corporation area following technical malfunctions in EVMs. The booths are Number 111 in Ward number 9, Number 235 in Ward number 18, Number 343 in Ward number 25, and Booth numbers 477 and 484 in Ward number 34. The votes from these booths could not be counted due to the technical problems. The re-poll will determine the final results in the affected wards. Results for Rajasthan's 47 municipal councils and 252 municipalities were also declared on Monday. The results will determine the political balance in the state's urban local bodies, followed by contests for the posts of Chairpersons and Presidents. Key results from Bikaner, Kota, Udaipur, Alwar, Ajmer, Bharatpur, Pali and Bhilwara have emerged as important indicators of the political strength of the BJP, Congress and Independent candidates across Rajasthan.
Amid tight security, the counting of votes for Bhilwara Municipal Corporation Election will start at 8 am. As per the updates from the EC, 63.84% voter turnout was recorded in Bhilwara Municipal Corporation Election. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is contesting 70 wards in Bhilwara and the Indian National Congress (INC) is contesting 53 wards this time.
Rajasthan: As rain returns, yellow alert issued for Alwar, Dholpur
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 11 (IANS) The monsoon is showing signs of becoming active again in Rajasthan, with a fresh spell of rain expected to begin in parts of eastern Rajasthan from Friday. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds of 30-40 kmph in several districts. A yellow alert has been issued for districts including Alwar, Baran, Bharatpur, Dausa, Deeg, Dholpur, Jhalawar, Karauli, Khairthal-Tijara, Kota, Kotputli-Behror, and Sawai Madhopur. Light to moderate rainfall is likely in parts of the Bharatpur, Jaipur, and Kota divisions on September 11. In Jaipur and surrounding areas, clouds may build during the afternoon, with thunderstorms and rain possible at some locations. However, rainfall is not expected to be uniform across the entire district or division. Rainfall activity is expected to increase across parts of the Jaipur, Bharatpur, Kota, Ajmer, and Udaipur divisions between September 12 and 16. Several districts, including Alwar, Dholpur, Karauli, Sawai Madhopur, Tonk, Bundi, Baran, Jhalawar, Bhilwara, Chittorgarh, Pratapgarh, Banswara, Dungarpur, and Rajsamand, may receive light to moderate rain during this period. The Kota-Hadoti region, comprising Kota, Bundi, Baran, and Jhalawar, is likely to see increased rainfall activity on September 13 and 14. Moderate to heavy rain may occur at isolated locations in the Udaipur division and parts of southern Rajasthan. According to the IMD, a low-pressure area formed over the northwest Bay of Bengal and adjoining areas on Friday. The system is expected to increase moisture over eastern Rajasthan, while strengthening easterly winds (purvai) around September 12 is likely to further support rainfall activity. The IMD has also reported a cyclonic circulation over northwestern Uttar Pradesh extending up to about 3.1 km above sea level. A trough extends from northern Haryana towards the low-pressure area over the Bay of Bengal through Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand. The monsoon trough is also extending towards the Bay of Bengal
Raj urban polls: Om Birla casts vote in Kota, appeals to voters for maximum turnout
Digital Desk | Kota, Sep 11 (IANS) Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Friday cast his vote at a polling booth in Shakti Nagar and appealed to people across Rajasthan to exercise their franchise in large numbers in the ongoing civic elections, saying greater public participation would strengthen democracy and make institutions more accountable. Speaking to reporters after casting his vote, Birla said voters play a crucial role in strengthening and empowering democracy by exercising their right to vote. In a democracy, voters strengthen and empower democracy by casting their votes. I believe that the greater the public participation in a democracy, the stronger and more empowered democracy becomes, making institutions more accountable to the people, he said. Birla urged voters across the state to participate actively in the ongoing urban local body elections. Therefore, I appeal to the people across the state to vote in maximum numbers and participate actively. This will strengthen and empower our democracy, ensuring that this institution also remains accountable to the public, he said. Meanwhile, polling for the second phase of the Rajasthan urban local body elections began at 7 a.m. on Friday and will continue until 6 p.m. across 147 urban local bodies. The second phase covers six municipal corporations, 20 municipal councils and 121 municipalities, with a total of 8,760,884 voters eligible to exercise their franchise. Polling is being conducted at 9,758 polling stations spread across 4,852 wards, with the electoral fate of 18,266 candidates at stake. With the completion of polling in the second phase, elections for all 309 urban local bodies in Rajasthan will be concluded. Counting of votes will begin at 8 a.m. on September 14. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has also appealed to voters to participate in the second phase in large numbers and exercise their democratic right. Urging people to turn out in large numbers, CM Sharma said every vote would strengthen the foundation for urban development, better civic amenities and a brighter future. He also appealed to first-time voters to participate enthusiastically and encourage their families, friends and acquaintances to cast their votes. Earlier, the Rajasthan Election Commission released the final voter turnout figures for the first phase of the Rajasthan urban body elections, held on Wednesday across 162 urban local bodies, including four municipal corporations. The final turnout stood at 76.41 per cent. The Arnod Municipality in Pratapgarh recorded the highest turnout at 91.98 per cent, while the Bhilwara Municipal Corporation recorded the lowest at 63.84 per cent. The Commission had initially estimated the overall turnout at 76.04 per cent. Following revisions, the final figure was updated to 76.41 per cent. The turnout in the Chittorgarh Municipal Council was also revised from the initial estimate of 61.49 per cent to 68.15 per cent.
Rajasthan urban polls: Voting begins in 147 civic bodies in second phase
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 11 (IANS) Voting for the second phase of the Rajasthan urban body elections began at 7 a.m. on Friday in 147 civic bodies and will continue until 6 p.m. The urban local bodies also include Jaipur, comprising six municipal corporations, 20 municipal councils and 121 municipalities. A total of 8,760,884 voters are eligible to exercise their franchise at 9,758 polling stations across 4,852 wards, with the electoral fate of 18,266 candidates at stake. With the conclusion of polling in the second phase, elections for all 309 urban local bodies in Rajasthan will be completed. Counting of votes will begin at 8 a.m. on September 14. The second phase covers 147 urban local bodies, including six municipal corporations, 20 municipal councils and 121 municipalities. Polling is being conducted at 9,758 polling stations across 4,852 wards, with 8,760,884 registered voters eligible to cast their ballots. A total of 18,266 candidates are in the fray. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma has appealed to voters across the state to participate in the second phase and exercise their franchise. Urging people to turn out in large numbers, CM Sharma said every vote would strengthen the foundation for urban development, better civic amenities and a brighter future. He also appealed to first-time voters to participate enthusiastically and encourage their families, friends and acquaintances to vote. Chief Minister Sharma is scheduled to cast his vote at the Navodaya Teacher Training College (Getor) polling booth in Jagatpura, while Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari is scheduled to vote at Booth No. 10 in Ward 141. In Kota, Education Minister Madan Dilawar arrived at his polling station around 10 minutes before voting began. He cast his vote at Polling Station No. 2 in Ward 52. The State Election Commission has directed officials to ensure adequate arrangements for drinking water and shaded areas at polling stations for the convenience of voters. For the first time, elections are being held in 40 newly constituted urban local bodies. In the urban body elections conducted between 2019 and 2021 across 107 urban local bodies, 5,012,642 of 7,378,611 registered voters exercised their franchise across 4,027 wards, recording a voter turnout of 67.93 per cent. Earlier, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Kota each had two municipal bodies. The State Election Commission has set a target of 86 per cent voter turnout for the 2026 urban body elections. The Rajasthan State Election Commission has provided an online facility for voters to check their names and other details in the electoral roll. Voters can use the Search Voter option on the Commission's website and enter details such as district, urban body, name, father's or husband's name and age. They can also search using their Voter ID/EPIC number after selecting the relevant district. The State Election Commission has released the final voter turnout figures for the first phase of the Rajasthan urban body elections, held on Wednesday across 162 urban local bodies, including four municipal corporations. The final turnout stood at 76.41 per cent. The Arnod Municipality in Pratapgarh recorded the highest turnout at 91.98 per cent, while the Bhilwara Municipal Corporation recorded the lowest at 63.84 per cent. The Commission had initially estimated the overall turnout at 76.04 per cent. Following revisions, the final figure was updated to 76.41 per cent. The turnout in the Chittorgarh Municipal Council was also revised from the initial estimate of 61.49 per cent to 68.15 per cent.
Sonaselection India IPO to open on Sep 17, price band set at 94-99/share
Textile company Sonaselection India Ltd on Thursday fixed a price band of Rs94-99 per equity share for its upcoming Rs 141.6-crore initial public offering. The company's maiden public offer is scheduled to open on September 17and conclude on September 21.The bidding for anchor investors will take place on September 16. The Bhilwara-headquartered company's IPO will comprise a fresh issue of 1.43 crore equity shares worth Rs 141.57 crore at the higher end, with no offer for sale (OFS) component,according to a statement. Proceeds from the IPO will be used for debt payment, purchasing plant and machinery at the company's manufacturing facility and general corporate purposes. Founded in 2022, Sonaselection India is an integrated fabric manufacturing and processing company, with the core operations housed at its manufacturing facility atBhilwara in Rajasthan. Bhilwara is widely recognised as a major hub for textile processing and manufacturing, providing the company access to skilled ..
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 10 (IANS) The second phase of polling for Rajasthans Urban Local Body elections will be held on Friday, as the State Election Commission moves ahead with the next phase of the polls being conducted under the 'One State, One Election' initiative. The first phase of polling, held on September 9, was completed peacefully across 162 Urban Local Bodies, with an overall voter turnout of 76.41 per cent. The elections to 309 Urban Local Bodies in Rajasthan, including 10 Municipal Corporations, 47 Municipal Councils and 252 Municipalities, are being conducted in two phases. A total of 5,393 wards went to polls in the first phase. Of the 57,52,280 registered voters, 43,95,488 voters exercised their franchise, resulting in a voter turnout of 76.41 per cent. The first phase covered 4 Municipal Corporations, 27 Municipal Councils and 131 Municipalities. A total of 7,683 polling booths were established for the first phase, with 20,623 candidates in the electoral contest. The State Election Commission said polling for the member posts in all 162 Urban Local Bodies was conducted peacefully. The highest voter turnout in the first phase was recorded in Arnod Nagar Palika of Pratapgarh, where polling percentage reached 91.98 per cent. The high turnout reflected strong voter participation in the Urban Local Body elections. The lowest voter turnout was recorded in Bhilwara Nagar Nigam. The Municipal Corporation has 70 wards and a total of 2,96,682 registered voters. Of these, 1,89,390 voters cast their votes, resulting in a turnout of 63.84 per cent. The first phase also included 73 newly constituted Urban Local Bodies, where elections were being held for the first time. The remaining 89 Urban Local Bodies had witnessed general elections previously. In the last general elections held in these 89 bodies, voter turnout stood at 74.76 per cent. The 76.41 per cent turnout recorded in the first phase of the 2026 elections is higher than the turnout recorded in the previous general elections in these 89 Urban Local Bodies. With the first phase completed, attention now turns to the second and final phase of polling on September 11. The State Election Commission has completed preparations for the second phase, with polling arrangements being put in place across the Urban Local Bodies going to the polls. The elections form part of the statewide exercise to conduct Urban Local Body polls under the 'One State, One Election' framework. The Commission has reiterated its focus on ensuring that polling is conducted peacefully, transparently and in an orderly manner. Following completion of polling in both phases, the electoral process will proceed towards the counting of votes and subsequent stages of the Urban Local Body elections as per the notified schedule.
Voting begins in 162 Urban Local Bodies across Rajasthan amid tight security at polling booths
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 9 (IANS) Voting for the first phase of Rajasthans Urban Local Body elections began at 7:00 a.m. on Wednesday and will continue until 6:00 p.m., with stringent security arrangements in place across polling centres. The first phase covers 162 Urban Local Bodies across 39 districts, including 131 municipalities, 27 municipal councils and four municipal corporations including Bharatpur, Alwar, Bikaner and Bhilwara. More than 57.52 lakh voters are eligible to cast their ballots to determine the fate of 20,623 candidates. Polling is being conducted at 7,067 booths across 6,930 polling premises, covering 5,393 wards. The four municipal corporations together account for 279 wards in this phase. Elections in 32 wards have already been decided unopposed. In the four municipal corporations, 73 wards are witnessing direct contests between the BJP and Congress, while 76 wards have triangular contests and 130 wards are seeing multi-cornered contests. Early-morning queues were reported at several polling stations. In Alwar, voters began arriving at polling booths to elect councillors for the citys 65 wards. Jayaprakash Sharma cast the first vote at the Dak Bungalow polling station shortly after polling opened. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma appealed to citizens to participate enthusiastically in the electoral process and exercise their right to vote. He urged voters, particularly first-time young voters, to turn out in large numbers and encourage their families and acquaintances to participate. The State Election Commission has established a control room at 0141-2227407 for complaints and reports concerning voting and other election-related issues. The Commission has also advised voters to verify their names in the electoral roll and check their polling-station details through the 'Search Voter' facility on its official website before heading to the polling booth. Political party workers distributed voter slips door-to-door on Tuesday, as the Election Commission did not arrange for distribution of voter slips. There was a lot of enthusiasm among the voters to participate in the polls.
Triple-engine govt will accelerate Rajasthans development: CM Bhajanlal Sharma
Jaipur, Sep 5 (IANS) Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Saturday held a massive roadshow in Bhilwara in support of BJP candidates contesting the municipal elections. The road show, held from Dudhadhari Gopal Mandir to Maharana Talkies, witnessed an enthusiastic response, with large numbers of people and party workers gathering along the route to welcome the Chief Minister. At several locations, people showered flowers on the Chief Minister as he passed through the city. Before the roadshow, Sharma offered prayers at the Radha-Krishna Temple and Charbhuja Temple and prayed for the prosperity and well-being of Rajasthan. Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the double-engine government under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has established new benchmarks of development in the country and Rajasthan over the past two and a half years. He said the state government is committed to maintaining this momentum and ensuring that the benefits of development reach every section of society. Calling people to vote for BJP, he said, Triple-engine government will accelerate Rajasthans development. Sharma said the upcoming urban local body elections provide an opportunity to further strengthen the pace of development in Rajasthan. He appealed to people to support BJP candidates and said the formation of a triple-engine government in urban local bodies would add a third engine to the states development journey. The Chief Minister also said that the state government is moving forward with the resolve of One State, One Election, aimed at bringing greater coordination and efficiency to the electoral process. The roadshow witnessed the participation of MPs, MLAs and a large number of BJP workers. Party workers and supporters raised slogans and extended a warm welcome to the Chief Minister throughout the route, creating an enthusiastic atmosphere in the city. Sharma said the government would continue working with the resolve of good governance, development and public welfare, and urged voters to support BJP candidates in the municipal elections to strengthen development at the local level.
Five booked for forcing Dalit men to sit on ground at I-Day event
Jaipur: Five people have been booked after two Dalit men alleged that they were subjected to caste-based abuse, forced to vacate chairs and sit on the ground during an Independence Day programme at a government school in Rajasthans Bhilwara district, according to the FIR. The alleged incident occurred on August 15 at the government school Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Bhilwara Sadar SHO Lokpal Singh Dies During Treatment After Accidental Gunshot Injury
Udaipur/Bhilwara, August 5: Bhilwara Sadar Police Station SHO (CI) Lokpal Singh (38) died during treatment at a hospital in Udaipur on Wednesday morning after sustaining a gunshot injury from his service revolver. The incident occurred on Tuesday evening (August 4) at his residence in Nehru Vihar when the service revolver accidentally discharged while he was ... Read more Bhilwara Sadar SHO Lokpal Singh Dies During Treatment After Accidental Gunshot Injury
Bhilwara College Establishment Officer Arrested While Accepting Rs 40,000 Bribe
Jaipur, July 23: Acting on the directions of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) Headquarters, the ACBs Bhilwara-II unit arrested an Establishment Officer of Manikyalal Verma Government College, Bhilwara, for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 40,000 from a complainant. Bribe Allegedly Sought to Continue Firms Contract Additional Director General of the Anti-Corruption Bureau, Smita Srivastava, said ... Read more Bhilwara College Establishment Officer Arrested While Accepting Rs 40,000 Bribe
July 21 Power Cut in Bhilwara: Electricity Supply to Remain Suspended in Over 70 Areas for 8 Hours
Bhilwara, July 21: Power supply will remain disrupted for 8 hours in more than 70 residential, commercial and industrial areas of Bhilwara on Tuesday due to maintenance work being carried out by the electricity department. According to AVVNL Assistant Engineer Neeraj Sharma, electricity supply from the 33/11 KV Gandhi Nagar Grid will remain suspended from ... Read more July 21 Power Cut in Bhilwara: Electricity Supply to Remain Suspended in Over 70 Areas for 8 Hours
Om Birla hands over Rs 5 lakh cheques to families of women who died during treatment in hospital
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla provided financial aid to families of deceased pregnant women. He assured that those found guilty during investigations would face consequences. Medical experts submitted recommendations to prevent future incidents at the hospital. Four maternal deaths were reported at Bhilwara District Hospital since the sixth. Investigations are underway to determine the causes and address any treatment gaps.
Rajasthans Healthcare Crisis: Six Maternal Deaths Raise Alarms in Bhilwara and Banswara
Jaipur, July 11: In a troubling turn of events, six maternal deaths have been reported at the Mahatma Gandhi Government Hospital in Bhilwara, Rajasthan, within just five days. Additionally, two more fatalities occurred in Banswara, raising serious concerns about infection control and patient safety in the states public healthcare system. Hospital administration has confirmed the ... Read more Rajasthans Healthcare Crisis: Six Maternal Deaths Raise Alarms in Bhilwara and Banswara
GBH Performs First Successful Kidney Transplant in Udaipur
UDAIPUR, July 11, 2026 (Udaipur Kiran) :GBH General Hospital has successfully performed its first kidney transplant, marking another step forward in advanced medical care. For 38-year-old Yuvraj, a resident of Bhilwara, and his family, the end of 2025 brought a major health crisis. Yuvraj, a father of two young children, developed severe back pain in ... Read more GBH Performs First Successful Kidney Transplant in Udaipur
Police Crackdown on Gambling in Bhilwara, Nine Arrested
Mumbai, June 30: In a significant operation, police in Bhilwara district arrested nine individuals involved in illegal gambling at a farmhouse in the Sawai Pur area. The District Special Team (DST) and Badliyas police seized 1,31,590 in cash, two vehicles, and gambling materials from the scene. The police action took place late Sunday night after ... Read more Police Crackdown on Gambling in Bhilwara, Nine Arrested
CP Joshi Criticizes Congress Over Paper Leak and Ram Temple Issues
Bhilwara, June 28: BJP MP CP Joshi targeted Congress and opposition leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday, addressing concerns over paper leaks and issues related to the Ram Temple. He highlighted the differences between the actions of the Congress regime and the current BJP government, asserting that strict measures are being taken against those jeopardizing the ... Read more CP Joshi Criticizes Congress Over Paper Leak and Ram Temple Issues
Rajasthan CM flags off electric buses under PM e-Bus Sewa scheme
Rajasthan's Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma launched 29 electric buses in Jaipur and 18 in Bhilwara, marking the introduction of electric city bus services under the Centre's PM e-Bus Sewa scheme. This initiative aims to provide clean, safe, and affordable public transport, reducing urban pollution. Rajasthan has been sanctioned 1,150 electric buses for eight cities, with 675 expected to be operational by Diwali, featuring modern amenities for all passengers.
