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Raj civic polls: Re-Polling ordered at 10 polling stations in Jaipur, Kota and Suket
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 15 (IANS) The Rajasthan State Election Commission on Tuesday ordered re-polling at 10 polling stations across Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota and Suket after technical malfunctions in Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) were detected during the counting process for the recent civic body polls in the state. The re-poll has been ordered after the Commission found that the number of votes not recorded due to the technical glitches was greater than the margin separating the leading candidate from the runner-up at the affected polling stations. Re-polling will be conducted on Wednesday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., with counting of the fresh votes scheduled for September 17 from 8 a.m. at the designated counting centres. The State Election Commission has identified the following polling stations for re-polling: Jaipur Municipal Corporation: Ward 9, Booth 111; Ward 18, Booth 235; Ward 25, Booth 343; Ward 34, Booths 477 and 484. Jodhpur Municipal Corporation: Ward 50, Booth 338. Kota Municipal Corporation: Ward 87, Booth 99; Ward 44, Booth 448; Ward 11, Booth 576. Suket Municipality: Ward 4, Booth 5. The Commission said complaints regarding EVM malfunctions were received during the counting process. Reports submitted by the concerned District Election Officers and Returning Officers were subsequently examined. Following the assessment, the Commission concluded that the votes affected by the technical problems could potentially alter the poll outcome in the concerned political contests. Since the number of unrecorded votes exceeded the victory margin, the Commission decided that a fresh poll was necessary. Voting at the affected polling stations will take place on Wednesday between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. The counting of votes cast during the re-poll will be conducted on Thursday from 8 a.m. at the designated locations. The Commission has directed election officials to inform all contesting candidates and their election agents in writing about the re-poll date, timing and polling station. Public announcements and notices will also be issued to ensure that eligible voters are aware of the revised polling arrangements. Notices will be displayed at the concerned municipality offices, polling stations and other prominent locations within the respective constituencies. The Commission has clarified that only voters who were authorised to vote in the original poll will be permitted to participate in the re-poll. The indelible ink mark applied during the original polling will not be considered for the purpose of the re-poll. A fresh indelible ink mark will be applied to the middle finger of the left hand, extending from the base of the nail to the first joint. The Commission has also directed that fresh ballot papers and tendered ballot papers, wherever required for use alongside the EVM process, be prepared. Following the re-poll, the EVMs used during the original polling will be sealed and kept in safe custody, as directed by the State Election Commission. The Commission has instructed all concerned officials to complete the necessary logistical, security and administrative arrangements in advance to ensure that the re-poll is conducted smoothly and in accordance with the prescribed procedures. With the re-poll scheduled just a day after the Commission's order, the results from these 10 polling stations could prove significant in determining the final outcome of the affected ward contests.
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India, Air India have been a wonderful experience: Outgoing CEO Campbell Wilson
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 15 (IANS) Outgoing Air India Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Campbell Wilson on Tuesday described his tenure at the airline as a wonderful experience and said it had been a privilege to be part of the carrier's long history. Air India and India have been a wonderful experience. It's been a privilege to be part of Air India's long and proud history. I'm very happy to be handing over to Tewolde Gebremariam as my successor. I wish Air India and India all the very best in the continued rise to become a world-class airline, Wilson told reporters. His remarks come ahead of a leadership transition at the Tata Group-owned airline with incoming CEO and Managing Director Tewolde Gebremariam set to take over after receiving the required government security clearances. Earlier this month, Gebremariam told employees that he was determined to lead Air India into a stronger future, borrowing the acronym MAGA to say, We will Make Air India Great Again. Addressing employees at a town hall attended by Air India Chairman N Chandrasekaran and Wilson, Gebremariam said the airline had a powerful heritage, a strong brand and significant growth potential. At the town hall, Chandrasekaran said the airline's priorities would include safety, rebuilding customer trust, operational excellence and financial discipline. Chandrasekaran also highlighted recent challenges faced by the airline, including geopolitical disruptions, airspace restrictions, fuel price volatility and the impact of the AI171 accident. On September 13 (Sunday), two flight operations were disrupted due to weather and technical errors. An Air India aircraft (AI431) was diverted to Lucknow due to unfavourable weather and visibility conditions. Similarly, a flight of the airline from Bhopal to Delhi on September 13 was forced to divert at Jaipur due to a technical issue as per laid down procedures.
ET Business Growth Summit, Jaipur: Entrepreneurs highlight new growth opportunities
The ET Business Growth Summit, Jaipur, concluded on a strong note, with industry leaders emphasising greater collaboration among businesses, policymakers, and institutions to unlock the regions growth potential.
Delhi airport sees protest as Dubai-bound SpiceJet flights face disruption
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 15 (IANS) Passengers of two SpiceJet flights from Delhi to Dubai faced prolonged delays with one flight remaining grounded for more than 24 hours, leading to protests at Delhi airport on Tuesday, a report said. NDTV reported that Flight SG 5111 which was scheduled to depart at 7:45 am on Monday delayed several times and had not departed by the time of reporting. However, flight tracking platform Flightradar24 showed the flight as cancelled. Another flight (SG 5105) which was scheduled to leave Delhi at 6:45 pm on Monday was delayed until Tuesday afternoon, it added. Moreover, passengers said they had not received fresh updates from the airline. In addition, viral videos on social media platforms from the airport showed stranded passengers sitting on the terminal floor and demanding information about their flights. According to sources, Delhi Airport authorities provided food and refreshments to affected passengers while assisting them during the disruption, the report said. Moreover, an X user posted, Delhi airport passengers protested after two SpiceJet flights to Dubai faced over twenty-four hour delays due to operational issues. Stranded travellers waited on terminal floors while authorities provided food and refreshments. SpiceJet said the delays were caused by operational issues after one of its aircraft was grounded. SpiceJet flights SG 5111 and SG 5105, operating from Delhi to Dubai, have been delayed due to operational reasons following the grounding of an aircraft, the airline said in a statement. The airline added that alternate flights were being arranged for affected passengers and apologised for the inconvenience caused. Recently this month, several flight operations were disrupted due to weather and technical errors. On Sunday, an Air India aircraft (AI431) was diverted to Lucknow due to unfavourable weather and visibility conditions. Similarly, a flight of the airline from Bhopal to Delhi on September 13 was forced to divert at Jaipur due to a technical issue as per laid down procedures.
Rajasthan civic poll results offer grassroots reality check for political heavyweights
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 15 (IANS) The results of Rajasthans 309 urban local bodies have delivered more than a verdict on municipal boards. They present a grassroots audit of the states political heavyweights, from Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma and former CM Vasundhara Raje to Congress veterans Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot. The BJP emerged ahead in the overall civic contest, winning more wards and securing clear majorities in more urban local bodies. And the Congress party remained second, but within striking distance. The BJP polled 35.30 per cent, compared with 34.36 per cent for the Congress, a difference of just 0.94 percentage points. That narrow vote-share gap makes the ward-level results particularly significant. For some leaders, their traditional political turf held firm. For others, their parties stumbled in their own wards or at their own polling booths. And in several cases, the results revealed an important distinction: a leaders personal political influence does not always translate into uniform party performance across the surrounding area. With the 2028 Assembly elections still ahead, these municipal results offer an early and unusually granular report card. Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma can take comfort from the BJPs performance. For the Chief Minister, the results broadly indicate that the BJPs organisational machinery remains strong around his core political territory. The narrow overall vote-share gap, however, suggests that the BJPs advantage cannot simply be attributed to a uniform wave across urban Rajasthan. For Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Colonel Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, the result was uncomfortable. The BJP lost Ward 28 of the Jhotwara constituency, with the Congress candidate emerging victorious. Forest Minister Sanjay Sharma also faced a more difficult outcome. Former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje remains one of the most consequential political figures in Rajasthan, and the results from Jhalawar therefore carry particular weight. The BJP candidate won Ward 5 of the Jhalawar Municipal Council unopposed. Yet the larger council result was far less comfortable for the party. The Congress won 29 seats, surprising the BJP in a council where the party had previously held the board. The contrast is revealing: a BJP victory in Rajes immediate ward coexisted with a significant Congress' performance across the municipal council. That makes Jhalawar one of the more interesting indicators of how much of Rajes traditional political influence continues to translate into broader BJP dominance. Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari voted at the booth located at the City Palace in Ward 141, where the BJP candidate won. In the Vidyadhar Nagar Assembly constituency, the BJP secured 12 of the 22 seats, with results for two seats pending. The numbers point towards a strong BJP position in the constituency, although the local-body verdict is not necessarily a direct measure of Assembly-level voting behaviour. Rural Development Minister Dr Kirodi Lal Meena also has reason to claim a favourable result. The BJP secured an absolute majority in the Sawai Madhopur Council. Meena campaigned for two days during the election period despite being unwell. His own vote, however, is registered in a panchayat area, making the municipal result a measure of the partys organisational performance rather than a direct test of his personal vote. Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani saw the BJP win his own Ward 37, including the booth where he voted. But the broader Ajmer picture was less favourable. The BJP failed to secure a majority in the Ajmer Municipal Corporation, while the Congress emerged successful. The contrast between a BJP victory in Devnanis own ward and the absence of a clear majority for the party in the corporation underscores one of the central themes of these elections: individual strongholds do not necessarily translate into citywide control. Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot faced an embarrassing local setback when the BJP defeated Congress in his home Ward 88. Yet the larger Jodhpur picture remains far more balanced. With the BJP and Congress locked in an even contest in the Jodhpur Municipal Corporation, Gehlots local defeat cannot be read as a wholesale collapse of Congress influence in the city. Instead, Jodhpur offers a more complicated political picture: the Congress lost in Gehlots own ward but remains competitive across the corporation. Congress state president Govind Singh Dotasra votes in a panchayat area, so his own booth does not provide a direct municipal test. But the Congress' performance in his residential area of Sikar was strong. The partys victory in Sikar provides Dotasra with an important political counterpoint to the BJPs broader urban gains and indicates that the Congress still retains pockets of organisational strength. Congress MLA Pramod Jain Bhaya faced an uncomfortable result in his residential Ward 34 in Baran. The party finished third, while an AAP candidate won the seat. Bhayas own vote is registered in a rural area, so the ward result should not be treated as a direct referendum on his Assembly constituency. Nevertheless, the Congress third-place finish in the area where he resides is a politically significant warning sign. Former Minister B.D. Kalla saw a more favourable result. The Congress led at the Mahesh Sadan polling booth, and its candidate Sarita Vyas won the ward. The result offers some evidence of continued Congress strength in Kallas traditional political territory. The most revealing aspect of Rajasthans civic verdict may not be the number of wards won by either party. It is the mismatch between personal strongholds and wider party performance. A BJP minister can lose his own ward while the party performs strongly across the surrounding area. A former chief minister can lose his home ward while his party remains competitive across the city. A leader can retain his own booth even as his party struggles to secure a majority in the larger municipal corporation. That is the political story emerging from these results. The elections show that Rajasthans urban electorate is not moving in a single direction. The BJP has the numerical advantage, but Congress remains close enough in vote share to keep the contest alive. For the BJP, the challenge is to turn its seat advantage into durable political control. For Congress, the opportunity lies in converting its near-parity in votes into victories in closely fought local contests. And for Rajasthans political heavyweights, the message is even more immediate: A stronghold may still be a stronghold, but voters are increasingly distinguishing between the leader, the party and the local candidate. That distinction could matter enormously when Rajasthan returns to the larger political battlefield in 2028.
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 15 (IANS) Abrar Khan Mev (58), the newly-elected Independent Councillor from Ward No. 7 of Marwar Junction Municipality, died after his health suddenly deteriorated on Tuesday. He was taken to the Trauma Centre in Pali for treatment, where doctors declared him dead after examination. His sudden demise has triggered a wave of grief across Marwar Junction. Abrar Khan Mev, an Independent Councillor from Ward No. 7, was at home on Tuesday morning, where people had gathered to congratulate him on his victory. At around 8 a.m., while having tea, he suddenly complained of chest pain, following which his health began to deteriorate. His family immediately took him to the Government Hospital in Marwar Junction, where doctors provided first aid. As his condition was considered critical, doctors referred him to Pali for further treatment. His family and others subsequently took him to the Trauma centre in Pali. However, despite efforts to save him, doctors declared him dead after examination, approximately at 9 a.m. There are 25 wards in the Marwar Junction Municipality. According to the results announced on Monday, the BJP and the Congress each won 11 wards, while Independent candidates secured three seats. With both the BJP and Congress falling short of a majority, the support of Independent Councillors is crucial for forming the municipal board. Following the death of Abrar Khan Mev, the arithmetic surrounding the formation of the board has now changed. The news of his sudden death has come as a shock to his family and to those who had celebrated his election victory. Following the news of Abrar Khan Mev's death, a pall of gloom descended over Marwar Junction. Supporters, acquaintances and local residents began arriving at his home to offer their condolences to the bereaved family. Family members at the Pali Trauma Center were inconsolable following the sudden tragedy. Local residents and public representatives expressed grief over his untimely death and prayed for peace for the departed soul and strength for the bereaved family.
BJP edges past Congress by 0.94% vote-share margin in Rajasthan civic polls
Surbhi Chandna recalls last-minute gas leak scare before serving bhog to Bappa on Ganesh Chaturthi
Digital Desk | Mumbai, Sep 15 (IANS) Television actress Surbhi Chandna recently revealed how a last-minute gas leak scare threatened to disrupt the preparations for offering bhog to Lord Ganesha. Taking to Instagram, the Ishqbaaaz actress shared a heartfelt note about the incident and described it as a truly miraculous experience. She revealed that just before her family was about to serve the bhog to Ganu Bappa and their guests, the gas hob suddenly stopped working. The situation became even more concerning when they discovered a gas leak. Sharing glimpses from the celebration, Surbhi wrote, Sukar Ke Bappa aa gaye Little story time - First time in 3 years something truly miraculous happened just before we were about to serve the bhog to Ganu Bappa Our gas hob suddenly stopped working, and there was even a gas leak. For a moment, it seemed impossible to prepare and serve the bhog to bappa and our guests in time. But somehow, everything fell into place. Our family came together, we managed to fix the situation, and by Bappas grace, we were able to serve the bhog on time. Perhaps this is exactly why He is called Vighnaharta the remover of obstacles, our protector and our saviour. What seemed like a moment of panic turned into a beautiful reminder that when Bappa is with you, no obstacle is too big. Ganpati Bappa Morya, she added. In the photos, Surbhi could be seen posing with folded hands alongside her husband, Karan Sharma. The couple stunned in traditional outfits and also posed for group pictures with their family, capturing the festive spirit of the occasion. Surbhi also shared solo pictures of herself striking different poses for the camera. The Sherdil Shergill actress looked elegant in a shimmery, stone-embellished suit, which she paired with a white necklace and matching earrings. She kept her makeup subtle, opting for a soft and understated look. Surbhi Chandna and entrepreneur Karan Sharma tied the knot in a grand yet intimate wedding ceremony in Jaipur on March 2, 2024. This year marks the couples third Ganesh Chaturthi celebration together after their wedding.
Rajmata Vijayraj Kumari Mewar passes away; Udaipur mourns end of an era
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 15 (IANS) A pall of grief has descended over Udaipur, Rajasthan, and the wider Mewar region following the death of Rajmata Vijayraj Kumari Mewar, a member of the former Mewar royal family. She passed away late on Monday at the age of 83 after a prolonged illness. Her death has prompted an outpouring of condolences across Udaipur, Mewar and Marwar, with admirers from across India and abroad, social organisations and political leaders paying tribute to her life and legacy. Remembered for her warmth, dignity and commitment to public welfare, Rajmata Vijayraj Kumari made significant contributions to education and social service, particularly in Udaipur. Her passing marks the end of an era for a figure who remained closely associated with the citys cultural and social identity. Rajmata Vijayraj Kumari belonged to one of Indias most distinguished royal lineages. She was born into the former royal family of Kutch in Gujarat and was the younger daughter of Maharaj Fateh Singh of Kutch and granddaughter of the Maharao of Kutch. Following her marriage, she became a member of the former royal family of Mewar and the wife of the late Arvind Singh Mewar. She was also the mother of Dr Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, a prominent social worker and educationist who represents the present generation of the Mewar family. Throughout her life, Rajmata Vijayraj Kumari balanced her family responsibilities with a deep commitment to preserving Mewars traditions and its longstanding ethos of public service. Her affectionate demeanour, combined with a strong sense of responsibility, earned her respect both within the royal family and among people across Udaipur. Education was among the most enduring aspects of Rajmata Vijayraj Kumaris public life. She received her early education at the Franciscan Convent School in Ooty, an experience that gave her a modern outlook while grounding her in strong values. After settling in Udaipur, she took a keen interest in expanding access to education and supporting initiatives aimed at womens empowerment. Her association with Maharana Mewar Public School (MMPS) became particularly significant. During the 1980s, she played an important role in the institutions development and transformation, helping guide it towards a modern, disciplined and quality-focused educational model. Her contribution to the institution left a lasting impact, with generations of students going on to pursue higher education and professional careers. For those who knew her closely, education was not simply an institution-building exercise for Rajmata Vijayraj Kumari -- it was a means of creating opportunities and shaping the future of young people. Following her death, the royal family and the administration have made arrangements for her final rites in accordance with established traditions. Her funeral procession departed in the morning from Shambhu Niwas Palace in the City Palace complex in Udaipur. A large number of citizens, members of social organisations and dignitaries gathered at the palace to pay their final respects before the procession proceeded to Mahasatiyaji at Ahar, the historic royal cremation ground of the Mewar family. Her last rites are being performed there in accordance with traditional rituals, with a royal guard of honour. The scenes surrounding her final journey reflected the deep connection she had built with the people of Udaipur over the decades. A series of condolence gatherings, known as Tiye ki Baithak, will be held in memory of Rajmata Vijayraj Kumari Mewar. According to official information, the meetings will be held daily from September 16 to September 23, between 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., at Shambhu Niwas Palace in the City Palace complex. Rajmata Vijayraj Kumari Mewars life was shaped by two powerful themes: tradition and service. While she remained a custodian of the heritage and traditions associated with the Mewar family, her work in education and social welfare reflected a forward-looking vision. For Udaipur, her passing is therefore more than the death of a member of a former royal family. It is the loss of a woman who, over several decades, became part of the citys social and cultural fabric.
Emotional Twist in Rajasthan Local Elections: Independent Candidate Wins by Just One Vote
An independent candidate in Jaipur wins a local election by a single vote, highlighting the emotional significance of a late mothers ballot. Emotional Twist in Rajasthan Local Elections: Independent Candidate Wins by Just One Vote
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Raj civic polls: Re-polling today at polling stations in Jaipur, Kota and Suket
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 15 (IANS) The Rajasthan State Election Commission has ordered re-polling at select polling stations in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota and Suket following technical malfunctions in electronic voting machines (EVMs) during the concluded urban body polls in the state. According to the Commission on Monday, re-polling will be held at Jaipur Municipal Corporation in Ward number 9, Booth number 111; Ward number 18, Booth number 235; Ward number 25, Booth number 343; Ward number 34, Booth numbers 477 and 484. In Jodhpur Municipal Corporation, repolling will be held in Ward number 50, Booth number 338. In Kota Municipal Corporation, it will be held in ward No. 87, booth no. 99; ward no. 44, booth number 448; ward number 11, booth number 576. The Commission received complaints regarding technical malfunctions in EVMs at these polling stations. After examining reports submitted by the respective District Election Officers and Returning Officers, the Commission determined that the number of votes affected by the technical malfunction exceeded the margin of votes between the closest rival candidates. In view of this, the Commission ordered a re-poll. As per the Commission's directives, re-polling will be conducted on September 16 from 7a.m. to 6 p.m. Counting of votes polled during the re-poll will begin at 8 a.m. on September 17 at the designated location. Information regarding the date, time and polling station for the re-poll will be communicated in writing to the contesting candidates and their election agents. Voters will also be informed through extensive publicity. Notices will be displayed at the concerned municipality, the polling station and other prominent locations within the Assembly constituency. The Commission has clarified that only voters whose names appear on the electoral roll of the concerned polling station will be eligible to vote in the re-poll. Fresh indelible ink will be applied during the re-poll after removing the ink mark placed on the voter's left-hand middle finger during the original poll. The new ink mark will be applied so that it remains visible from the base of the nail to the first joint of the finger. If required, ballot papers and tendered ballot papers to be used with the EVMs will be prepared afresh. The Commission has also directed that the EVMs used during the original poll be sealed and kept in safe custody following the re-poll. The State Election Commission has instructed the concerned officials to ensure that all necessary arrangements for the re-poll are completed in a timely manner.
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.
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Jodhpur Stalemate: BJP, Cong tied at 44 each; mayors race hinges on independents
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 14 (IANS) Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma said on Monday that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s strong performance in the concluded civic body elections was the result of the tireless efforts of party workers and the public's faith in the development agenda of the BJP governments at the Centre and in the state. Addressing the media at the state BJP headquarters, Chief Minister Sharma dedicated the party's victory to its workers and said the election verdict reflected public support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a 'Viksit Bharat' and a 'Viksit Rajasthan'. The people of Rajasthan have once again placed their trust in the BJP, the Chief Minister said, adding that the party's workers and public representatives had worked directly among the people and helped ensure that government schemes reached beneficiaries across both rural and urban areas. He said the BJP government had fulfilled 78 per cent of the promises made in its election manifesto and would continue to honour its commitments, including those related to the development of urban local bodies. Chief Minister Sharma also expressed confidence that the BJP would replicate its civic election performance in the upcoming Panchayat elections. We (BJP) will achieve a major victory in the Panchayat elections as well, he said, attributing the party's electoral success to its organisational strength and the public's confidence in its governance. Chief Minister Sharma said the civic election results also reflected public support for the concept of 'One State, One Election'. According to the Chief Minister, voters understand that holding elections together can help save public resources, reduce administrative expenditure and allow governments to focus more consistently on development. Taking a swipe at the previous Congress government, Chief Minister Sharma claimed that during the Congress era, elections to civic bodies and Panchayati Raj institutions would often stretch over nearly two years, affecting the pace of development. He said the latest poll mandate demonstrated that people wanted elections to be conducted in a more streamlined manner so that governments and elected representatives could devote greater attention to governance and development. Chief Minister Sharma added that the BJP would treat the election mandate as a responsibility and work with greater commitment to meet public expectations. He said that the state government would continue focusing on the welfare of women, youth and the poor, while strengthening development and good governance across Rajasthan.
Former Mayor Jyoti Khandelwal Loses in Jaipur Municipal Elections as BJP Claims 23 Wards
In a surprising turn, former mayor Jyoti Khandelwal loses in Jaipur elections, while BJP secures 23 wards amid rising political tensions. Former Mayor Jyoti Khandelwal Loses in Jaipur Municipal Elections as BJP Claims 23 Wards
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Raj civic polls: Re-polling ordered at some polling stations in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 14 (IANS) The Rajasthan State Election Commission on Monday ordered re-polling at select polling stations in Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota and Suket following technical malfunctions in electronic voting machines (EVMs) during the concluded urban civic body elections in the state. According to the Commission, re-polling will be held at Jaipur Municipal Corporation: Ward No. 9, Booth No. 111; Ward No. 18, Booth No. 235; Ward No. 25, Booth No. 343; Ward No. 34, Booth Nos. 477 and 484, Jodhpur Municipal Corporation: Ward No. 50, Booth No. 338, Kota Municipal Corporation: Ward No. 87, Booth No. 99; Ward No. 44, Booth No. 448; Ward No. 11, Booth No. 576 and Suket Municipality: Ward No. 4 and Booth No. 5. The Commission received complaints regarding technical malfunctions in EVMs at these polling stations. After examining reports submitted by the respective District Election Officers and Returning Officers, the Commission found that the number of votes potentially affected by the technical malfunction exceeded the margin between the closest rival candidates. The Commission therefore decided to order re-polling at these stations. As per the Commission's directives, re-polling will be conducted on September 16 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Counting of votes polled during the re-poll will take place on September 17 from 8 a.m. at the designated counting centre. Information regarding the date, time and polling station for the re-poll will be communicated in writing to the contesting candidates and their election agents. Voters will also be informed through extensive publicity. Notices will be displayed at the concerned municipality offices, polling stations and other prominent locations within the respective Assembly constituencies. The Commission has clarified that only voters whose names appear on the electoral roll of the concerned polling station will be eligible to vote in the re-poll. Fresh indelible ink will be applied during the re-poll after removing the ink mark placed on the voter's left-hand middle finger during the original polling. The fresh mark will be applied from the base of the nail to the first joint of the finger. If required, ballot papers and tendered ballot papers to be used in connection with the EVMs will be prepared afresh. The Commission has also directed that the EVMs used during the original polling be sealed and kept in safe custody following the re-poll. The State Election Commission has instructed the concerned officials to ensure that all necessary arrangements for the re-poll are completed in a timely manner.
Jaipur man allegedly planned eldest daughters killing, then targeted entire family
Assistant Engineer Arrested Taking
Jaipur, September 14, 2026: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) arrested Govind Prasad, Assistant Engineer at Panchayat Samiti Bhusawar in Bharatpur district, red-handed while allegedly accepting a bribe of 30,000 from a complainant. The action was carried out on Monday by the ACB Bharatpur unit following directions from the ACB headquarters. According to ACB Director General of ... Read more Assistant Engineer Arrested Taking 30,000 Bribe in Bharatpur
Civic poll results an indication of BJPs expanding presence across Rajasthan: Sudhanshu Trivedi
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 14 (IANS) BJP Rajya Sabha MP Sudhanshu Trivedi credited the partys strong performance in the Rajasthan civic body elections to the support of voters and the efforts of BJP workers and the organisation. Speaking about the election results, Trivedi said, Congress held the elections in several phases, but even after that, it could not achieve success. We express our gratitude to the people of Rajasthan for this mandate and thank the workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party. He also praised the BJPs organisational machinery, state leadership and party workers for their efforts during the elections. Trivedi highlighted the BJPs performance in districts where the party had struggled in the previous civic elections. He pointed out that in Bundi, Dausa, Hanumangarh, Karauli, Dholpur and Bharatpur, the BJP had previously failed to form even a single municipal board. Once again, it has become clear that even in those places where not a single BJP board could be formed last time, the Bharatiya Janata Party is now making impressive progress, Trivedi said. He described the results as an indication of the BJPs expanding organisational and electoral presence across Rajasthan, including in districts that had previously been difficult territory for the party. Earlier, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma said the BJPs strong performance in the Rajasthan civic body elections was the result of the tireless efforts of party workers and the publics faith in the development agenda of the BJP governments at the Centre and in the state. Addressing the media at the state BJP headquarters on Monday, Sharma dedicated the partys victory to its workers and said the election verdict reflected public support for Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of a Viksit Bharat and a Viksit Rajasthan. The people of Rajasthan have once again placed their trust in the BJP, Sharma said, adding that the partys workers and public representatives worked directly among the people and helped ensure that government schemes reached beneficiaries across both rural and urban areas. The Chief Minister said the BJP government had fulfilled 78 per cent of the promises made in its election manifesto and would continue to honour its commitments, including those related to the development of urban local bodies. Sharma also expressed confidence that the BJP would replicate its civic election performance in the upcoming Panchayat elections. We will achieve a major victory in the Panchayat elections as well, he said, attributing the partys electoral success to its organisational strength and the publics confidence in its governance. Sharma said the civic election results also reflected public support for the concept of One State, One Election. According to the Chief Minister, voters understand that holding elections together can help save public resources, reduce administrative expenditure and allow governments to focus more consistently on development. Taking a swipe at the previous Congress government, Sharma claimed that during the Congress era, elections to civic bodies and Panchayati Raj institutions would often stretch over nearly two years, affecting the pace of development. He said the latest mandate demonstrated that people wanted elections to be conducted in a more streamlined manner so that governments and elected representatives could devote greater attention to governance and development. Sharma said the BJP would treat the election mandate as a responsibility and work with greater commitment to meet public expectations. He added that the government would continue focusing on the welfare of women, youth and the poor, while strengthening development and good governance across Rajasthan.
Raj civic polls: Jaipur voters have blessed party on Ganesh Chaturthi, says BJP MP
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 14 (IANS) Jaipur Lok Sabha MP Manju Sharma expressed gratitude to the people of the city in Rajasthan following the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s victory in the Jaipur Municipal Corporation elections, saying the party received the blessings of Lord Ganesha on the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi. She said the people of Jaipur had placed their faith in BJP candidates and given the party a strong mandate. She described the result as an endorsement of the development agenda of the Narendra Modi-led government at the Centre and the Bhajan Lal Sharma-led BJP government in Rajasthan. According to Manju Sharma, the election verdict reflects the public's confidence in the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and the performance of Chief Minister Sharma. She said the people had voted decisively in favour of the BJP's 'Lotus' symbol, paving the way for a riple-engine government at the Centre, in the state, and in Jaipur's municipal administration. On the auspicious occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, the people of Jaipur have blessed the BJP and placed their trust in the party, Sharma said, expressing her gratitude for the mandate. The BJP Lok Sabha MP said the election victory was not merely a political achievement but also a responsibility to deliver on the expectations of Jaipur's residents. She assured that the party would work towards strengthening development, improving governance and ensuring the overall growth of the city. Sharma said the BJP would make every effort to honour the trust placed in it by the people and work with dedication to transform Jaipur further. She added that the mandate would motivate the BJP and its representatives to work with greater commitment and ensure that the benefits of government schemes and development projects reach the people. The blessings of the people of Jaipur also bring a greater responsibility. We will work with full commitment to live up to their expectations, she said.
Rajasthan civic polls: Congress' Rakesh Kumar Lata wins Jaipur's Ward 21
Congress candidate Rakesh Kumar Lata defeated BJP's Ajay Singh Chauhan by 127 votes in Jaipur Municipal Corporation Ward 21. The victory came as counting continued across Rajasthan, with both parties claiming an edge in the ongoing 2026 municipal elections
Rajasthan local body polls: BJP has clear edge over Congress, wins 4,171 wards
Rajasthan civic polls: Congress wins Pali, bastion of BJP's Madan Rathore
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 14 (IANS) The Congress has delivered a major blow to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Rajasthan's Pali Municipal Corporation, turning the party's traditional stronghold into a closely contested political battleground. Pali is the home district of Rajasthan BJP President Madan Rathore, who has served as the party's Pali district president several times and was a two-time MLA from Sumerpur. In a significant setback for the BJP, Congress not only emerged as the single largest party in the 65-member Municipal Corporation but also defeated the BJP in Rathore's own ward. Congress won 29 of the 65 wards, while the BJP secured 21 seats. Independent candidates emerged victorious in 15 wards. Although Congress fell short of the 33 seats required for an outright majority, it finished eight seats ahead of the BJP. The result marks a major political setback for the BJP, which had controlled the Pali local body for the past 10 years. The Congress' victory is particularly significant because of Pali's association with Madan Rathore. Rathore has held the position of BJP district president in Pali multiple times and remains one of the party's prominent leaders from the region. The loss of his own ward further underlines the extent of the Congress' poll performance. However, despite emerging as the largest party, Congress cannot form the municipal board on its own. With 15 Independent Councillors holding the balance of power, the Congress will need to secure their support to reach the majority mark and stake its claim to the Mayor's post. The BJP, meanwhile, is also expected to try to win over the Independent Councillors in an effort to prevent Congress from taking control of the civic body. The coming days are therefore likely to see intense political negotiations, with Independent Councillors potentially emerging as kingmakers in Pali. The Pali bypoll result is being viewed as one of the most significant outcomes of the Rajasthan local body elections, particularly because Congress has managed to make substantial gains in an area closely associated with the BJP's state unit leadership.
Rajasthan civic poll: Independent candidate wins by one vote; mother dies day after casting her vote
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 14 (IANS) The results of the Nadbai municipal elections in Rajasthan have brought an emotional twist to the closely contested Ward No. 6, where the difference between victory and defeat was just one vote. Independent candidate Jagdish Prasad secured 151 votes, defeating BJP candidate Ramsharan, who received 150 votes. With only a single vote separating the two candidates, the result has become a major topic of discussion among residents. Adding an emotional dimension to Jagdish Prasad's victory, it has been reported that his mother cast her vote on election day and passed away the following day. Her death left the family mourning, even as news of her son's narrow victory emerged. Following the declaration of the results, residents began discussing the significance of Jagdish Prasad's mother's vote. Her vote came at a crucial moment in an election that ultimately ended with just a one-vote margin. Jagdish Prasad polled 151 votes, while Ramsharan received 150. A change of even one vote would have reversed the outcome, making every ballot in the ward decisive. Against this backdrop, the vote cast by Jagdish Prasad's mother has taken on special emotional significance for the family and local community. According to reports, Jagdish Prasad's mother voted in the municipal election and passed away the next day. The family was therefore faced with contrasting emotions of grief over her death and the news of Jagdish Prasad's victory. The fact that he won by only one vote has made the sequence of events particularly poignant. While several candidates in the municipal elections won by comfortable margins, the Ward No. 6 result stood out for its exceptionally close finish. The final tally of 151 votes to 150 gave Jagdish Prasad victory by a single vote. Jagdish Prasad defeating a BJP candidate as an independent has also attracted political attention in the ward. For the family, however, the result carries a deeply personal meaning. The final vote cast by Jagdish Prasad's mother just a day before her death is likely to remain an emotional and memorable part of the election story.
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Former Mayor Jyoti Khandelwal loses Jaipur civic poll, BJP wins 23 wards
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 14 (IANS) In a major upset in the Jaipur Municipal Corporation election, former mayor Jyoti Khandelwal, who switched from the Congress to the BJP, has suffered defeat. Khandelwal was considered one of the BJP's prominent faces and a potential contender for the mayor's post if the party secured a majority. Her defeat is a significant setback to the BJP's calculations for the mayoral race and could further expose internal differences within the party. Khandelwal's defeat comes amid reports of dissent over her candidature and local-level opposition during the election campaign. Meanwhile, the BJP has taken the lead in the Jaipur civic polls. According to the latest results, the BJP has won 23 of the 150 wards, while the Congress has secured 16 and Independents four. Results for 132 wards have been declared so far, with counting continuing for the remaining wards. The verdict in the closely watched electoral battle across all 150 wards of the Jaipur Municipal Corporation will be revealed on Monday, with vote counting underway at the counting centre established at Shri Bhawani Niketan College on Sikar Road. Polling for the 150 wards was held on September 11, with Jaipur recording a voter turnout of 63.55 per cent. A total of 723 candidates were in the fray, and their electoral fate was sealed in the EVMs. As counting progresses, the results will determine which political party will control the municipal board in the Pink City. The two principal contenders, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress, had both claimed before counting that they would form the municipal board with a clear majority. However, the presence of Independent candidates and party rebels in several wards has added uncertainty to the final outcome. The District Election Commission has organised the counting process in phases, with 15 control rooms and more than 150 counting tables deployed for the exercise. Meanwhile, one of the biggest upsets of the election has been the defeat of former mayor Jyoti Khandelwal, who had switched from the Congress to the BJP. Political observers believe that a combination of internal dissent, local-level opposition and a strong Congress challenge may have contributed to her defeat. The result could also intensify factional differences within the BJP as the party assesses its prospects for controlling the municipal board. According to the latest results recorded so far, the BJP has won 69 wards, while the Congress has secured 49. Independent candidates have won 14 wards, taking the total number of declared results to 132. With results still awaited in some wards, the final composition of the Jaipur Municipal Corporation will determine whether the BJP can cross the majority mark on its own or whether Independents and other candidates will become crucial to government formation. The outcome is particularly significant because control of the Jaipur municipal board will determine the political leadership of one of Rajasthan's most important urban centres. The remaining ward-wise results are being declared as counting continues, with the final numbers expected to provide a clearer picture of the contest for the mayoral post.
Sikar civic poll: Clash erupts after Congress victory; stone-pelting reported in Ward 17
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 14 (IANS) Tensions erupted in Sikar shortly after the municipal election results were announced, with supporters of the Congress and an Independent candidate clashing in Ward 17. The Congress emerged as the largest party in the Sikar municipal elections, winning 38 of the 65 wards and securing a clear majority. The BJP won 22 wards, while Independents secured 4 seats and the RLP won 1 ward. The result in Ward 17 was particularly significant as Congress candidate Tasleem defeated Independent candidate Arshin to win the ward. However, a confrontation ensued soon after the results were announced, with stone-pelting between the two groups, leaving several people injured. Police reached the spot after receiving information about the clash and detained several people in connection with the incident. The situation was brought under control, and further action is being taken. The Congress' strong performance gives it a clear advantage in the formation of the municipal board. However, the post-result violence in Ward 17 has raised concerns over tensions between rival groups following the election. Police are monitoring the situation in the area to prevent any further escalation. Meanwhile, in Jodhpur, vote counting for a seat in Ward No. 50 was halted after a technical glitch was reported in an EVM at a polling booth. Following the issue, the Returning Officer sought guidance from the State Election Commission. A decision on the next course of action will be taken after receiving the Commission's directions. A re-poll at the affected booth is likely. For now, counting for the seat has been put on hold by election officials. District Election Officer and District Collector Sandesh Nayak said vote counting in Jaipur was conducted across 2,254 polling booths covering 150 wards. More than 5,000 candidate agents were present during the counting process, which was completed in 302 rounds. So far, the BJP has secured 66 seats, Congress 43, while Independent candidates have won 13 seats.
BJP leads with 57 Jaipur wards in municipal elections as counting continues
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Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 14 (IANS) The Congress party has emerged as the largest party in the Ajmer Municipal Corporation election, winning 37 of the 80 wards. The BJP secured 32 seats, while Independent candidates won 11. With neither major party reaching the 41-seat majority mark, Independents are set to play a crucial role in determining the next municipal board. The results mark a significant setback for the BJP, which had controlled Ajmer's municipal board for the past 36 years. In the previous election, the BJP won 48 seats, compared with 18 for Congress, one for the RLP and 13 for Independents. This time, the BJP has slipped behind the Congress party. One of the biggest upsets came in Ward 59, where Congress candidate Babita Chauhan defeated the BJP's Madhu Shekhawat. Madhu, wife of former chairman Surendra Singh Shekhawat, was considered a strong contender for the mayor's post. Another closely watched result came from Ward 4, where Monica Jain, who had switched from Congress to the BJP, defeated her rival. The ward is considered a stronghold of Rajasthan Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani. Hema Gehlot, wife of former mayor Dharmendra Gehlot, who had left the BJP, also faced defeat. The 80 wards saw a total of 360 candidates in the contest. According to the election figures, 77 Congress candidates, 79 BJP candidates and 204 Independents and candidates from other parties were in the fray. Ajmer Municipal Corporation has 4,38,039 registered voters, of whom 2,86,823 exercised their franchise. The overall voter turnout was 65.48 per cent. With 11 Independent councillors holding the balance, both Congress and BJP may now have to negotiate to secure the numbers needed to form the board. In Ward 80, 21-year-old Kashyapi Sankhla, daughter of BJP leader Chandresh Sankhla, won the election. She is among the youngest councillors to win in the current round of urban local body elections. Following her victory, her father thanked the residents of the ward. Meanwhile, former BJP councillor Ruby Jain, who rebelled against the party and contested as an Independent from Ward 74, also secured a victory. After her win, Ruby said the people themselves had ensured that her nomination was filed and described the victory as one of the public. The Ajmer results have altered the political equation in the city, with the BJP losing its long-standing dominance and Independent councillors emerging as the potential kingmakers in the formation of the next municipal board.
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 14 (IANS) In a major shake-up, Congress has managed to retain control of Jhalawar, the stronghold of former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, as results for Rajasthan's 47 Municipal Councils and 252 Municipalities have started coming in. In the Jhalawar Municipal Council, the Congress party has won 29 of the 45 wards. The BJP secured 13 wards, Independents won two, and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) won one. Also, Independent candidates have pulled off a major upset in the Bharatpur Municipal Corporation election, winning 36 of the total 65 wards and emerging as the dominant political force. The BJP secured 20 wards, while the Congress won seven, the BSP one, and the RLP one. The BJP has secured a majority in the Barmer Municipal Council after 15 years. The party won 29 of the 55 wards. The Aam Aadmi Party has emerged as a surprise winner in the Baran Municipal Council, securing a clear majority with victories in 31 of the 60 wards. The Congress party won 18 wards, the BJP nine, and Independents two. In the Churu Municipal Council, the BJP has won 30 of the 60 wards, while Congress secured 24 and Independent candidates won six. The BJP is leading in the Nagaur Municipal Council, although former district president Ramniwas Sankhla suffered defeat in Ward 7. In Ward 10, Praveen Solanki of the Congress, son of former chairman Kriparam Solanki, won the election. Praveen's maternal uncle and former chairman, Mangilal Bhati, had supported the BJP candidate. Yash Jaldhari of the BJP, grandson of former MLA Ratanlal Jaldhari, has won from Ward 11 of the Sikar Municipal Council. In the Jaisalmer Municipal Council, results for 21 wards have been declared so far. BJP candidates have won 12 wards, while Congress has secured six, and Independents three. The results will determine the political fate of more than 35,000 candidates contesting elections across Rajasthan's Municipal Councils and Municipalities. Voting for the urban local body elections was conducted in two phases on September 9 and 11. The first phase recorded a voter turnout of 76.41 per cent in 162 urban bodies, while 71.69 per cent turnout was registered in the second phase in 147 urban bodies.
BJP Leads in Jaipur as Congress Eyes Over 60 Seats in Rajasthan Local Elections
In the ongoing Rajasthan local elections, BJP shows early leads in Jaipur while Congress anticipates winning over 60 seats. BJP Leads in Jaipur as Congress Eyes Over 60 Seats in Rajasthan Local Elections
Caught on CCTV: Jaipur Man Accused of Killing Wife, 3 Daughters Arrested Outside Hotel In Reengus
A major breakthrough in the Jaipur family murder case as police arrest 45-year-old Rahul Jha, accused of killing his wife and three daughters. Jha was tracked through CCTV footage and arrested outside a hotel in Reengus, Sikar. Police say he has confessed to the murders. Blood-stained clothes and his switched-off mobile phone were recovered from the family home. Investigators are probing the reported family discord and the motive behind the killings.
Indian man moves to US for job, forgets to file ITR; here's why ITAT Jaipur still canceled penalty
After relocating to the US in 2018, a taxpayer missed his income tax return deadline in India, leading to a penalty of 8.29 lakh. The ITAT Jaipur eventually ruled in his favor. Here's why.
Jaipur Municipal Corporation Election 2026: Complete list of ward and party-wise winners
Voting for the Jaipur Municipal Corporation elections began on Monday, with counting underway after 63.55% of voters exercised their franchise across all 150 wards on September 11. Shri Bhawani Niketan College of Pharmacy on Sikar...
Rajasthan Municipal Election Result 2026 Live: BJP vs Congress, who is winning where?
Rajasthan Election Result 2026 Live: Counting for urban local body elections began at 8 am on Monday across the state. The BJP has taken an early lead over Congress in the initial declared wards, while results from major cities including Jaipur, Jodhpur and Kota are being closely watched. The outcome will be a key test for the Bhajan Lal Sharma government and Congress's state organisation ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections.
Raj civic polls: Results for 309 urban bodies to be declared today
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 14 (IANS) The results of elections to 309 urban local bodies in Rajasthan will be declared on Monday, determining the fate of 38,889 candidates and setting the stage for the formation of governing boards in 10 Municipal Corporations, 47 Municipal Councils and 252 Municipalities. Vote counting began at 8 a.m., with results for all urban local bodies expected to be declared by the afternoon. The simultaneous counting will also set the stage for political negotiations over the formation of boards, with the BJP, Congress, other parties and Independent councillors expected to engage in post-result manoeuvring. The elections were held in two phases on September 9 and 11, with counting taking place simultaneously across the state. In most urban local bodies, votes will be counted at the respective headquarters. In Bikaner, however, counting will be conducted at the district headquarters. A total voter turnout of 73.56 per cent was recorded across the two phases, more than three percentage points higher than the turnout in the previous urban local body elections. The election featured candidates from major political parties as well as a large number of independents. The BJP fielded 9,290 candidates, while the Congress fielded 9,027. Independent candidates accounted for 18,732 contestants. Other parties in the fray included the Rashtriya Loktantrik Party (RLP) with 948 candidates, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) with 311, the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) with 298, the CPI(M) with 185 and the Bharat Adivasi Party (BAP) with 98 candidates. The large number of Independent candidates could prove significant during the subsequent process of board formation, particularly in closely contested urban local bodies where neither major party secures a clear majority. The State Election Commission has made arrangements to publish counting results and updates on its website. As counting progresses, city-wise and urban-body-wise standings are expected to emerge throughout the day. The simultaneous declaration of results is also expected to compress the time available for parties to consolidate numbers and negotiate the formation of governing boards. For the BJP, the results will be a test of its ability to overturn the Congress' performance in the previous urban local body elections, while the party is currently in power in Rajasthan. The Congress, meanwhile, faces the challenge of demonstrating that its urban support base remains intact despite the change in government. BJP leaders have claimed that the party will succeed in forming boards in more than 200 urban local bodies. The Congress has not announced a specific target but has expressed confidence about its performance. Senior leaders of both parties spent Sunday assessing likely outcomes and calculating numbers ahead of the results. For the first time in Rajasthan, results for all 309 urban local bodies are being declared simultaneously under the 'One State-One Election' model. Previously, urban local body elections were conducted in separate phases, with the overall electoral process extending over more than a year. Monday's results will therefore provide an early indication of whether the new simultaneous-election model alters the political dynamics traditionally associated with local body polls. The results will also offer a broader reading of the political mood in urban Rajasthan and indicate whether the earlier electoral pattern continues or whether the incumbent party gains an advantage from being in power at the state level. Between 2019 and 2021, elections to 196 urban local bodies were conducted in five phases when the Congress was in power in Rajasthan. Of the 7,500 wards contested during that election cycle, the Congress won 3,036, while the BJP secured 2,676. Independent candidates and other parties won 1,788 wards. However, ward-level victories did not automatically translate into control of urban local bodies. The subsequent board formation process highlighted the importance of negotiations with Independent councillors and smaller parties. The Congress eventually formed boards in 125 of the 196 urban local bodies, while the BJP formed boards in 64. Independent candidates and other parties succeeded in forming boards in seven local bodies. The 2026 results will therefore determine more than individual ward winners. The crucial political test will be whether the BJP, Congress or other groups can convert their electoral numbers into actual control of urban local bodies across Rajasthan. With counting underway simultaneously across the state, the results are expected to provide both a verdict on local candidates and a significant indicator of the current political mood in urban Rajasthan.
After killing wife, 3 daughters, Jaipur man fled to temple seeking divine blessings
A man absconding after his wife and three daughters' murders was arrested Sunday. Rahul Jha was tracked down using CCTV footage and information from hotel staff. He confessed to the murders, citing family discord and strained relationships. Police recovered blood-stained clothes and his switched-off mobile phone from the home. The accused was brought to Jaipur after his apprehension in Reengus.
Voting for 150 wards of the Jaipur Municipal Corporation in Rajasthan was held on September 11. The counting of votes will start at 8 am today. The election saw the highest number of candidates in Jaipur, with 723 candidates in the fray. More than 24.23 lakh voters will decide who will take charge of their respective wards for the next term. A total of 2,256 polling booths were set up across Jaipur for the elections. Apart from candidates fielded by the BJP and Congress, nominees from regional parties, independents and various organisations also contested the polls.
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Beyond the New Delhi Declaration
The success of Indias BRICS presidency should not be measured merely by the adoption of the New Delhi Declaration. Declarations are important diplomatic instruments, but their real value lies in what they enable beyond the conference hall. For India, the larger dividend of its BRICS leadership lies in diplomacy, security, bilateral engagement, economic opportunities, institutional reform and, importantly, in strengthening its voice in shaping the emerging international order. India assumed the BRICS chair at a particularly turbulent moment. The international system is witnessing geopolitical rivalry, wars, protectionism, sanctions, fragmented supply chains, technological competition and growing dissatisfaction with the existing architecture of global governance. Against this backdrop, New Delhi had the difficult task of keeping an increasingly diverse BRICS together while ensuring that Indias own strategic and developmental interests remained firmly on the agenda. The outcome, therefore, needs to be assessed on a wider canvas than the summit declaration. A significant diplomatic gain One of the most important gains for India is the continuing effort to place terrorism firmly at the centre of the BRICS security agenda. The condemnation of the 22 April 2025 Pahalgam terrorist attack in Jammu & Kashmir at the BRICS level was particularly significant. India had argued that condemnation of terrorism must be a matter of principle, not diplomatic convenience. The BRICS consensus gave political weight to that position. For New Delhi, this is more than a symbolic statement. Cross-border terrorism affecting Jammu & Kashmir has long been one of Indias central security concerns. India has consistently maintained that terrorism cannot be compartmentalised according to political convenience and that there can be no distinction between good and bad terrorism. The significance of raising the issue in BRICS is that Indias security concerns are thereby located within the larger international struggle against terrorism rather than treated merely as a bilateral India-Pakistan issue. The next step must be practical. BRICS cooperation should produce stronger mechanisms against terrorist financing, recruitment, radicalisation, safe havens and terrorist networks. India should continue to press for international accountability of those who sponsor, facilitate or finance terrorism. The Pahalgam reference thus represents an important diplomatic gainbut its real value will depend upon whether political condemnation evolves into sustained multilateral action. An institutional legacy Perhaps the most consequential institutional idea associated with Indias presidency is the strengthening of the BRICS Troikathe previous, current and incoming presidencies. BRICS has grown substantially in membership and ambition. Its agenda now covers political and security cooperation, trade, finance, technology, health, agriculture, climate, energy and people-to-people relations. Such expansion makes continuity increasingly important. The annual change of chairmanship can otherwise produce discontinuity. An initiative launched by one presidency may lose momentum under the next. A stronger Troika can preserve institutional memory, coordinate priorities and ensure that important initiatives survive changes in leadership. For India, the strategic advantage is obvious. New Delhis influence need not end when its chairmanship ends. It can continue to participate in the institutional steering process and help ensure that priorities launched under its presidency are carried forward. The proposed use of a digital mechanism to track decisions, responsibilities and implementation can complement the Troika. This could transform BRICS from a largely summit-driven grouping into a more continuous institution. The Troika also has geopolitical significance. An expanded BRICS brings together countries with very different political systems, economic interests and foreign-policy orientations. India and China remain strategic competitors even as dialogue improves; Russia has a distinct relationship with China and the West; Iran and the Gulf countries have complex regional interests. BRICS therefore requires managed diversity, not artificial uniformity. Indias vision of the Troika can help preserve BRICS as a platform for a multipolar and inclusive world rather than allowing it to become an anti-Western bloc. The real success of a presidency is not merely how effectively a country conducts its year in office, but how much of its vision survives after it leaves office. If the Troika becomes an effective continuity mechanism, Indias institutional legacy could extend well beyond 2026. The China dividend The BRICS platform has also provided India with valuable diplomatic space for high-level engagement with China. The meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping is important not because it resolves the complex India-China relationship, but because sustained dialogue is indispensable to managing it. Indias interests require peace and tranquillity along the border, greater economic balance, protection of national-security interests and continued diplomatic communication. China, meanwhile, remains an important economic and geopolitical power whose influence cannot be ignored. BRICS gives both countries a multilateral setting in which engagement can take place without requiring either side to abandon its larger strategic position. For India, the objective should be neither confrontation for its own sake nor premature normalisation. It should be competitive coexistence with safeguards, reciprocity and respect for Indias sovereignty and security interests. Russia and strategic autonomy The Russia dimension is equally important. Indias relationship with Russia has historically rested on strategic trust, defence cooperation, energy, nuclear power and space. In the present geopolitical environment, however, the relationship requires diversification and modernisation. BRICS provides India with an additional platform to broaden the relationship into trade, technology, energy, connectivity and industrial cooperation. At the same time, Indias Russia policy reinforces the larger principle of strategic autonomy. New Delhis relationships with Russia and the United States, Europe, Japan, Australia and other partners demonstrate that India does not view international relations through the prism of exclusive alliances. That autonomy is becoming increasingly valuable in a fragmented world. The Global South dividend The most enduring political gain from Indias BRICS presidency may be the strengthening of its claim to leadership of the Global South. India has repeatedly argued that emerging and developing economies deserve greater representation in institutions such as the United Nations Security Council, the IMF and the World Bank. BRICS provides an important coalition-building platform for that objective. But Indias aspiration should go beyond rhetorical leadership. It should seek practical partnerships in development finance, food and energy security, health, climate resilience, digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence, agriculture and capacity-building. Indias advantage is that it can speak simultaneously to the developed world and the developing world. It has relationships with Washington and Moscow, Brussels and Beijing, Tokyo and the Gulf, while retaining strong political and economic links across Africa, Latin America and Asia. This gives New Delhi the possibility of becoming a bridge power in an increasingly divided international system. Rhetoric to economic opportunity Economic cooperation is another major area in which India can secure tangible gains. During its chairmanship, India has promoted greater intra-BRICS trade, services, MSME access to finance, resilient supply chains and diversification of global value chains. The Jaipur Consensus and guiding principles for MSME credit are examples of efforts to move towards practical economic cooperation. The discussion on greater use of national currencies and cross-border payment mechanisms is also important. India should approach this issue pragmatically. BRICS need not create a common currency to reduce transaction costs or improve financial resilience. Interoperable payment systems, local-currency settlement and compatible financial infrastructure could themselves generate significant benefits. Indias experience with digital public infrastructure gives it an opportunity to contribute technologically as well as politically. Technology as the new instrument of influence Indias digital transformation is another under-appreciated BRICS asset. Digital public infrastructure, fintech, artificial intelligence, digital health, agriculture technology and affordable technological solutions can become important instruments of Indias development diplomacy. For many developing countries, the Indian model is attractive precisely because it seeks scale and affordability rather than dependence on expensive infrastructure. If India succeeds in making its digital platforms, standards and institutional expertise useful to BRICS partners, it will gain not only commercial opportunities but also standards-setting power. That is a subtler and potentially more durable form of geopolitical influence. A multilateral summit that multiplies bilateral gains One of the practical advantages of hosting BRICS is that a multilateral summit creates multiple bilateral opportunities. India can use the BRICS network to deepen relations in trade, investment, energy, connectivity, education, technology, tourism and culture with member and partner countries. The significance of these bilateral conversations should not be underestimated. In contemporary diplomacy, multilateral platforms often function as accelerators for bilateral negotiations. A successful presidency therefore produces a multiplier effect: one multilateral platform generates many bilateral conversations and potential partnerships. Legal and institutional diplomacy Indias BRICS presidency has also expanded into less traditional areas of diplomacy, including judicial and legal cooperation. The BRICS Justice Ministers engagement on mediation and arbitration, for example, has sought to strengthen capacity-building, institutional reform and cooperation in alternative dispute resolution. For a rapidly expanding trading and investment relationship among BRICS countries, predictable and efficient dispute-resolution mechanisms can have considerable economic significance. Indias legal institutions, universities and professional bodies can thereby become part of a broader network of Global South institutional cooperation. The strategic message The larger strategic message of Indias BRICS presidency is perhaps best captured in three propositions: India can convene without aligning; lead without dominating; and cooperate without surrendering strategic autonomy. This is particularly important because BRICS itself is not homogeneous. Its members have different political systems, economic models and strategic priorities. Its expansion gives it greater geographical weight but simultaneously makes consensus more difficult. Indias success should therefore not be judged by whether BRICS becomes a counterweight to the West. That would be too narrow and ultimately contrary to Indias interests. New Delhis greater objective should be a more representative, multipolar and inclusive international order, in which BRICS is one important pillar but not an instrument of confrontation. The unfinished task The real test begins after the summit. India must ensure that its BRICS initiatives do not remain confined to declarations, seminars and working groups. The next phase must focus on implementationgreater trade and investment, interoperable payment systems, technology partnerships, resilient supply chains, energy cooperation, development finance and mobility of skilled professionals. Similarly, the commitment to combating terrorism must translate into stronger cooperation against terrorist financing, radicalisation and transnational networks. And the Troika must become more than a ceremonial arrangement. It should be empowered to monitor implementation, preserve institutional memory and carry forward the priorities of successive presidencies. India should also continue using BRICS to build support for reform of the global governance architecture while maintaining constructive relations with the United States, Europe, Japan, Australia and other partners. Beyond the Declaration The New Delhi Declaration is therefore only one measure of Indias BRICS success. The deeper gains lie in the diplomatic space India has created with China and Russia; the reaffirmation of its strategic autonomy; the strengthening of its Global South credentials; the internationalisation of its technological and developmental experience; the opportunity to expand trade and investment; the elevation of terrorismincluding the Pahalgam attack in Jammu & Kashmirwithin the BRICS security discourse; and the possibility of institutionalising continuity through the Power Troika. Indias greatest BRICS dividend may ultimately be neither economic nor diplomatic in isolation. It is the gradual transformation of convening power into agenda-setting power. In a fractured world, countries that can bring competing interests to the same table acquire influence disproportionate to their formal power. India has demonstrated that capacity. The challenge now is to convert it into enduring institutions, measurable outcomes and a sustained voice in shaping the international order. The true success of Indias BRICS presidency will not be what was written in the Declaration at New Delhi, but what the world does with the ideas, partnerships and institutions that India leaves behind. Author is a noted Senior Advocate in the Supreme Court and a geo political analyst.
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