Independents emerge as a force in Rajasthan urban local bodies
The BJP secured victory in Rajasthan's civic polls, winning 4,179 wards across urban local bodies. Independents emerged as significant players, winning 2,273 wards and influencing mayoral elections. Repolling will occur in nine wards due to EVM technical issues during counting. The BJP achieved clear majorities in four municipal corporations, while Congress won one. Mayors and chairpersons will be elected on September 21 after repolling concludes.
Rajasthan Governor emphasises justice, peace and human rights
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Two days after a viral video showed a car allegedly hitting a woman biker in Gurugram, police arrested Kalyan Bainsla in Rajasthan.
Gurugram Biker Hit-and-Run: Accused Kalyan Baisla Arrested in Rajasthan's Dausa
Kalyan Baisla, accused in the Gurugram hit-and-run case involving woman biker Sia, has been arrested in Rajasthan's Dausa. Gurugram Police have added an attempt-to-murder charge to the FIR following an investigation and CCTV analysis.
Historic success, says Himachal CM ahead of signing Kishau dam project pact
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 15 (IANS) Ahead of signing a pact amidst the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi for the execution of long-pending Kishau Multipurpose Dam Project for the rejuvenation of the Yamuna River, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Sukhu, one of the six participating CMs, on Tuesday said the heritage of the state must remain secure, and it must receive its full due. The estimated cost of the project is pegged at Rs 15,000 crore, and Home Minister Shah will sign on behalf of the Centre, which is bearing 90 per cent of the cost of its water component. Besides Himachal Pradesh, the other beneficiary states are Uttarakhand, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan. The historic success achieved in the interest of Himachal in the long-pending Kishau Dam project will ensure an annual income of around Rs 600 crore without any investment, CM Sukhu wrote on X, adding, There will be no compromise with the states rights, honour, and future. The interest of Himachal will always remain our foremost concern. Earlier, at a meeting held under the chairmanship of Home Minister Shah in Delhi on June 15, a consensus was reached among the six beneficiary states to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the implementation of the Kishau Multipurpose Project. The meeting had decided that 90 per cent of the cost of the water component of the project will be borne by the Central government as assistance, while the remaining 10 per cent of the financial burden will be shared by the six participating states. The meeting had also reached a consensus to allocate Himachal Pradeshs share of water to Delhi and Rajasthan in return for sharing the cost of Himachal Pradeshs portion of the power component. This decision will prove to be a significant milestone in the journey towards a cleaner and rejuvenated Yamuna, ensuring an increased flow of clean water in the river. Following the June 15 consensus on the Kishau project, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Rajya Sabha member Harsh Mahajan had expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Shah. He had said the agreement among the states concerned regarding the long-pending project is an excellent example of the solution-through-dialogue approach adopted by the Central government led by Prime Minister Modi. Former Himachal Cabinet Minister Mahajan had said the project would not only boost the rejuvenation of the Yamuna River but also open new avenues for water conservation, energy generation and regional development. Former Fisheries Minister Mahajan had expressed confidence that the implementation of the project would yield long-term benefits for Himachal Pradesh and play a pivotal role in achieving the goal of a clean, pristine Yamuna.
Driver Kalyan Bainsla held in Gurugram biker hit-and-run case
Gurugram: Kalyan Bainsla, the car driver accused of hitting a woman sports bike rider, was arrested in Rajgarh, Rajasthan, on Tuesday, September 15, Gurugram Commissioner Sibash Kabiraj said. The arrest comes after Gurugram Police added the charge of attempt to murder (Section 109 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita) in the case, which carries a provision 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 .
Raj civic poll results: BJP retains top spot; lesser vote share gap with Cong sends notice
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 15 (IANS) The BJP may have emerged as the larger winner in Rajasthans urban local body elections, but the numbers tell a more complicated political story. With the BJP securing 35.30 per cent of the vote against 34.36 per cent for Congress, the gap between the two principal parties is just 0.94 percentage points, a margin too narrow to ignore ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections. On the surface, the Rajasthan civic election results appear to favour the BJP. It has won more seats and secured clear majorities in more urban local bodies than Congress. But beneath that headline result lies a political contest that is far tighter than the seat tally suggests. The narrow gap in voting percentage is perhaps the most politically significant number to emerge from the elections. The results were expected to provide an early indication of Rajasthans urban political mood ahead of the 2028 Assembly elections. Instead, they have produced a mixed verdict: the BJP has the organisational and seat advantage, but the Congress remains firmly in the contest in terms of popular support. And then there is the third force, the Independents. Independent candidates collectively secured 27.47 per cent of the vote, underlining the extent to which local political equations remain fragmented and candidate-driven. The RLP secured 0.95 per cent, AAP 0.47 per cent, CPI(M) 0.32 per cent, BSP 0.29 per cent, and BAP 0.13 per cent vote share. The numbers suggest that Rajasthans urban electorate has not consolidated completely behind either of the two major parties. The BJP secured a clear majority in 85 civic bodies, compared with 45 for the Congress party. Independents and other parties crossed the majority mark in another 34 bodies. That leaves 145 of Rajasthans 309 urban local bodies without a clear majority. This is where the election moves from a simple winner-loser contest into a political bargaining exercise. In these 145 bodies, Independents could determine who controls the municipal boards. The BJP and Congress now face the same challenge: turning electoral leads into political majorities. For both parties, the scramble for Independents is not merely about municipal boards. It is also about demonstrating political momentum. For the BJP, the task is to ensure that its advantage in seats translates into control on the ground. For Congress, the opportunity is to convert its narrow vote-share deficit into political gains wherever the BJP lacks the numbers to govern on its own. The battle after the election could therefore prove almost as important as the battle during it. The contest becomes particularly significant in the municipal corporations. Of Rajasthans 10 municipal corporations, the BJP has secured clear majorities in Jaipur, Kota, Udaipur and Bhilwara, while Congress has a majority in Bikaner. But five corporations remain politically unsettled: Bharatpur, Pali, Alwar, Ajmer and Jodhpur. Jodhpur is the clearest example of the new political arithmetic. The BJP and Congress have 44 councillors each, leaving Independents in a potentially decisive position. The message from Jodhpur is stark: neither major party can take control for granted. Bharatpur presents another test, with Independents positioned to influence the formation of the board. In Alwar, the BJP has the advantage but falls short of a majority. In Ajmer and Pali, Congress is ahead but still needs additional support. These contests could become early laboratories for the political strategies the two parties take for the 2028 Assembly election. The political significance of the results extends well beyond the municipal corporations. There is no clear BJP or Congress majority in 18 municipal councils and 122 municipalities. That means the Independent councillor has emerged as one of the most important political actors in Rajasthans post-election landscape. For the BJP, winning over Independents will be critical to consolidating its seat advantage. For the Congress, these same councillors offer an opportunity to challenge the BJP dominance in closely fought bodies. The coming days could therefore see intense negotiations, outreach and realignment at the local level. The question is not simply who won the most seats. It is who can assemble the numbers to govern. These civic elections were conducted against the backdrop of the One State-One Election concept, but their political implications go far beyond municipal administration. The BJP can point to its larger seat tally and stronger performance across several major urban centres. Congress, however, can point to a vote share of only 0.94 percentage points behind the ruling party. If the BJP succeeds in converting its leads into stable civic administrations, it will strengthen its claim that its organisational machinery remains dominant in Rajasthans urban centres. If the Congress manages to capture boards in a significant number of hung bodies by bringing Independents into its camp, it could present the results as evidence that the BJPs electoral advantage is narrower than the seat count suggests. The Independent councillor, meanwhile, could become the unlikely protagonist of this political contest. For now, the Rajasthan civic verdict has delivered neither a decisive BJP sweep nor a Congress revival. It has produced something more politically interesting: a BJP advantage, a closely trailing Congress, and 145 civic bodies where the final winner is yet to be determined. And with 2028 on the horizon, Rajasthans municipal arithmetic may prove to be an early warning -- or an early opportunity -- for both sides.
Gurugram Bike Crash: Kalyan Bainsla Arrested in Rajasthan After Attempt to Murder Charge
Hours after Gurugram Police added an attempt to murder charge against him, the main accused in the Golf Course Road bike crash case, Kalyan Bainsla, was arrested in Rajasthan on Tuesday. Bainsla was booked under Section 109 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which relates to attempt to murder, after a woman biker alleged that [] The post Gurugram Bike Crash: Kalyan Bainsla Arrested in Rajasthan After Attempt to Murder Charge appeared first on Pragativadi I Latest Odisha News in English I Breaking News .
'He Is Copying Us': DK Shivakumar On Trump's $5,000 Promise
DK Shivakumar said that Congress's welfare model has been replicated in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Bihar. And now, the US is copying it.
Gurugram Hit-and-Run Car Driver Kalyan Bainsla Arrested From Rajasthan
Car driver Kalyan Bainsla arrested from Rajgarh in Rajasthan, says Gurugram CP Sibash Kabiraj
BJP's Rajasthan Civic Poll Victory Reflects Peoples Mood Across Country: Ramchander Rao
Rao said the BJP remained ahead throughout the elections and thanked the people of Rajasthan for supporting the party.
BSP Secures 19 Seats in Rajasthan Local Body Elections, Mayawati Congratulates Party Workers
The Bahujan Samaj Party wins 19 seats in Rajasthans local elections, with Mayawati praising party efforts despite alleged discrepancies. BSP Secures 19 Seats in Rajasthan Local Body Elections, Mayawati Congratulates Party Workers
'Forcibly defeated': Mayawati flags 'govt irregularities' in Rajasthan municipal polls
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.
BJP cites Rajasthan civic poll win as sign of national public mood
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The Indian and US armies began their 22nd joint military exercise, Yudh Abhyas 2026, today (September 15). This year's edition is particularly significant as, for the first time, the exercise is being conducted simultaneously across two vastly different operational theaters: the scorching deserts of Rajasthan near the Pakistan border and the high-altitude mountainous terrain of Uttarakhand near the China border. The exercise will continue until September 28.
Mayawati alleges govt irregularities after BSP wins 19 Rajasthan seats
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Rajasthan local polls: BJP edges Cong by 0.94% votes
The BJP has narrowly defeated the Congress in the Rajasthan urban local body elections by less than one percentage point. Independent candidates secured a significant share of votes, and NOTA outperformed several smaller parties. Prime Minister Modi lauded the BJP's performance, attributing it to public support for good governance.
Jana Nayagan actor, TN CM Vijay deepfake case: Man arrested in Rajasthan
Rain likely in Delhi today; IMD forecasts withdrawal of monsoon from Sep 19
Delhi may see light rain and thunderstorms today, with heavy-rain warnings in place through September 17 as the southwest monsoon prepares to withdraw from parts of west Rajasthan around September 19
Delhi-NCR likely to receive light rain; IMD issues thunderstorm alert in 20 states
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 15 (IANS) Residents of Delhi-NCR may experience light rainfall on Tuesday as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast generally cloudy conditions, with isolated spells of very light to light rain likely from the forenoon to the afternoon. IMD also issued thunderstorm and rain alerts in 20 states. The maximum temperature in the national capital is expected to remain between 32 and 34 degrees Celsius, while the minimum temperature is likely to settle between 23 and 25 degrees Celsius. According to the weather department, Delhi-NCR and several other parts of the country are likely to witness fluctuating weather conditions this week, with rain expected on some days, while relatively dry conditions may prevail on others. Although monsoon activity has weakened compared with previous weeks, the IMD has warned of thunderstorms, lightning and rainfall in 20 states. Gusty winds could reach speeds of up to 60 kmph in some areas, prompting authorities to advise residents to exercise caution during periods of adverse weather. The weather warning covers a wide geographical area, including Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Karnataka, Telangana, Gujarat and Maharashtra, among other regions. The IMD on Monday said the southwest monsoon is likely to begin withdrawing from the country around September 19, with the retreat expected to commence from west Rajasthan. The normal withdrawal date for the region is September 17, while last year the process began on September 14. The department said the country's cumulative rainfall deficit currently stands at 15 per cent. Several districts, particularly in western, southern and northeastern regions, continue to record deficient rainfall. Despite the expected retreat of the monsoon, several parts of the country are likely to receive additional rainfall during the week. The west and northwest regions, along with parts of the southern peninsula, are expected to witness increased rainfall activity.
BJP narrowly beats Congress in Rajasthan local polls by 0.94%
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Here is a select list of stories to start the day
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
In Indian culture, both Spring and Winter are celebrated with great enthusiasm and gaiety; Spring almost all over the country and Winter in the warmer regions south of the Himalayas. However, there is another season, the advent of which is a harbinger of happiness and hope ... and that is the rainy season, or the Monsoon as it is also known. It brings happiness because it cools down the troublesome summer heat, and hope because water, especially cool water, on dry earth is always a symbol of hope. And yet, the effect of rains is felt quite differently in the hills and plains. In the hills even a light shower brings down the temperature considerably, adding a chill to the already cool air. In the plains it is an early sign of the onset of Monsoon - which is celebrated with the greatest fervour in the extremely hot and dry northern belt. After the baking temperatures of May and June followed by the itchy humidity of July, vibrant August brings the much-awaited, life-giving rains. In hot, dry, landlocked northern India, the Monsoon - coming after the terrible, relentless Summer heat - is even more welcome than Spring. It is not difficult to imagine the joy of people at the first showers the wonderful hydrating effect of the rain water on parched earth; the filling up of rivers, ponds and wells long dry; the flowering of bushes and shrubs; the sprouting of fresh new leaves; the joyful singing of birds, who have a difficult time looking for drinking water in the hot summer. And above all, the cool, refreshing breezes instead of the devastating loo winds that create desert-like conditions. The Monsoons give Nature a head-to-toe bath, as layers of dust are washed away and every tree gets a clean new look with glistening leaves. Old and young alike, long suffering under the merciless Sun, come out of their homes to meet and greet their neighbours and celebrate the rains together. The biggest Monsoon festival of North India - Teej is celebrated across Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Jammu, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The villages of the plains of North India present a picture of health and cheer during Teej, with everyone dressed in bright clothes and brighter smiles! Teej becomes the perfect opportunity to socialise, as the pleasant weather breathes new life into the people. The lush greenery, fresh air and cool weather inspire the village folk to gather together in courtyards and community spaces, singing folk songs to welcome the rains. Groups of village children can be seen taking rain-baths, diving into ponds with gleeful shouts and splashing in out of puddles with abandon. The menfolk express their joy by dancing the energetic bhangra to the peppy beats of the dhol, in their colourful turbans and folk dresses. The festival becomes an occasion for women to travel to their parental homes (peka in Punjabi), reunite with family and childhood friends, and spend time with their parents and siblings. The first Teej of newly-wedded young women becomes even more special as they receive a gift hamper of new clothes and bangles from their maika or peehar (parental home). Both, married women and unmarried young girls put on their best and brightest clothes saree, salwar-kameez or lehenga. Pinks, blues and yellows mix with greens and reds, the traditional Teej colours. Women and girls come out in droves, shining in their attractive attires, chattering and laughing, the palms of their hands adorned with deep red mehndi designs. On the occasion of Teej, rope swings (peeng / jhoola) are hung from strong branches of sturdy trees like mango and peepal, where women and girls take turns swinging in singles or in pairs. What a lovely scene it is: ladies adorned in finery, swinging away merrily under large shady trees, their veils (chunni / odhni) fluttering in the breeze, bangles tinkling rhythmically with the to-and-fro motion ! The days come alive with womenfolk performing lively Giddha dances while reciting traditional boliyan (couplets on village life). Bangle-sellers displaying bright, colourful glass bangles walk through villages with their portable stalls, singing Vangaan chadhaalo kudiyonmerebaba de darbaar diyaan (O girls, put on these blessed bangles). Rajasthani women in their multi-coloured striped leheriya attires and traditional jewellery can be heard singing Aayo Aayo Teej Tyohar (Teej festival has arrived !) and Aayi Sawaniye Ri Teej (The Monsoon has come !). Could any Indian festival be complete without a fair ?! Local Teej fairs (Teeyan da Mela) feature artisans offering intricate henna applications, folk music competitions, and traditional village games. And then, can there be any celebration without sweets ? Families lovingly prepare and share traditional sweets Ghevar (delicately-flavoured sweet shaped like a large disc), Gujia (deep-fried pastry filled with khoya and coconut) and Malpua (small syrup-soaked pancakes sprinkled with dry fruits). To balance the sweet flavour, there is the savoury kachaudi (a thick poori with a spicy potato filling). Not only in the plains and foothills, the Monsoons are also celebrated in mountainous Himachal Pradesh, most notably through traditional harvest and cultural fairs. The most prominent of these is the week-long Minjar Fair in Chamba, which celebrates the ripening of maize crops. Local communities mark the season with folk songs, village rituals, traditional music, and colourful processions, with people dressed in attractive folk dresses. Regional delicacies are prepared and enjoyed daily during the season. Coming after the scorching heat of the torrid summer, the rains soak and soften the cracked earth turning it soft, moist and receptive. In this way, the Monsoon plays a vital role in preparing the hard, dry farmland for the Kharif crop. Rice and maize, sown just before the Monsoon, are heavily dependent on the rains as these crops need plenty of water, especially in areas where artificial irrigation is unreliable or simply unavailable. Thus, to small farmers, the Monsoon comes like Gods gift. Perhaps it would not be wrong to say that in Indian culture, vibrant Monsoon festivals are the most awaited, as these are not just religious or cultural events; but a celebration of the rejuvenating aspect of Nature and Natures gift of life in the form of rainwater. T he author is a free-lance writer, editor and translator.
BJP sweeps Kota as Rajasthan heavyweights face jitters
BJP wins but independents rewrite Rajasthan civic poll math
Rajasthan Municipal Elections: CM Bhajanlal Thanks PM Modi for BJPs Resounding Victory
Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma expresses gratitude to PM Modi after BJPs significant win in municipal elections, highlighting party unity and commitment. Rajasthan Municipal Elections: CM Bhajanlal Thanks PM Modi for BJPs Resounding Victory
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 emerges single-largest party, Congress throws in big surprises in Rajasthan local body elections
The ruling BJP emerged ahead of the Congress in Rajasthans urban local body elections on Monday, winning 4,179 wards against the opposition partys 3,613 and securing clear majorities in four of the states 10 municipal corporations.
Rajasthan urban local body poll results: Victory of truth over echo of falsehood, PM Modi says
The BJP emerged ahead of the Congress in Rajasthan's urban local body elections, winning 4,179 wards against the opposition party's 3,613 and securing clear majorities in four of 10 municipal corporations
Dronathon-2026: IAF showcases indigenous drones, counter-UAS systems at Rajasthan's Pokhran range
Rajasthan tops country in PM-KUSUM capacity with 5.2 Gw installed
Approximately 5.20 gigawatt (Gw) of capacity has been installed in the state under PM-KUSUM Components A and C, Aarti Dogra said.
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.
'Triumph of truth over jhooth ki goonj': PM Modi hails BJP win in Raj civic polls
The Bharatiya Janata Party secured a significant victory in Rajasthan's municipal elections. BJP emerged as the largest party, winning more wards than Congress. The party achieved majorities in four out of ten municipal corporations. Prime Minister Modi thanked voters for their support and trust. These results reflect public approval of the BJP's development policies.
The accused and his associates used AI-generated deep fake videos asking the general public to contact a WhatsApp number for any financial help, police said
BJP Dominates Rajasthan Local Body Elections, Outpaces Congress Significantly
In the Rajasthan local body elections, BJP secured 4,026 wards, leaving Congress with 3,438, highlighting a strong performance. BJP Dominates Rajasthan Local Body Elections, Outpaces Congress Significantly
PM Modi thanks Rajasthan voters For BJP's municipal poll win
Prime Minister Narendra Modi thanked Rajasthan for the BJP's municipal election victory. He stated the results showed truth triumphing over falsehoods and lies. The mandate reflects support for good governance and development policies. This success will propel the state towards greater progress and prosperity. Modi congratulated all victorious candidates and dedicated party workers.
Rajasthan local body polls 2026: Mayor, deputy mayor elections postponed in 4 civic bodies
Rajasthan local body polls 2026: Mayor, deputy mayor elections postponed in 4 civic bodies More to follow...
IAF's mega drone event kicks off at Pokharan range in Rajasthan
The Dronathon 2026, hosted by the Indian Air Force, kicked off in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. This innovative three-day event showcases state-of-the-art unmanned aerial systems and counter-drone technologies, where local manufacturers present their cutting-edge advancements. The initiative aims to bolster the Air Force's capabilities in the unmanned arena and foster collaboration with industry players for homegrown solutions.
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.
BJP Sweeps Rajasthan Municipal Elections With Landslide Win in 8 of 10 Corporations
80pc drugs coming from Pakistan eliminated, says Punjab CM
Digital Desk | Chandigarh, Sep 14 (IANS) Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said on Monday that while the Aam Aadmi Party-led state government is taking decisive action against gangsters and the drug menace, the Opposition is resorting to vulture politics by using every unfortunate incident to stay in the media spotlight instead of presenting a vision for the state. He added that 10 gangsters have been brought back to Punjab from abroad since January and nearly 80 per cent of the drugs coming from Pakistan have been eliminated following the state government's crackdown. The Chief Minister affirmed the state government will now tighten the noose on the supply coming from Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, while taking direct aim at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the drug route and saying if the BJP takes care of the Mundra Port in Gujarat, the drug menace in Punjab will be almost eliminated. He also said the Congress and the Akali Dal, who urtured gangsters, have no right to speak on law and order, and called upon all three opposition parties to stop their dirty politics and present their vision for Punjab before the people. Calling out Opposition's vulture politics at a press meet, CM Mann noted, When you have no issue, you start feeding on every unfortunate incident. This is not politics of public service, this is 'vulture politics'. Punjab deserves better than this cheap politics. The Chief Minister said that instead of appreciating the Punjab government's sustained battle against drugs, gangsters and organised crime, the Opposition is deliberately trying to create fear and defame Punjab for narrow political gains. Punjab is not merely a border state but the gateway to the country and a gem of India. Any attempt to portray the entire state through the prism of isolated incidents is a deliberate attempt to malign Punjab and its people. CM Mann said his government had adopted a comprehensive roadmap to dismantle the nexus of drugs, gangsters and organised crime. Our (AAP government's) fight is not limited to making arrests. We are identifying networks, intercepting consignments, choking financial channels and bringing the perpetrators to justice. Punjab Police is working day and night and we have not allowed criminals to dictate the agenda of the state. Those involved in drugs and gang-related activities are being pursued relentlessly, irrespective of their political connections or influence, the Chief Minister added. Taking on the BJP over the issue of drug smuggling, CM Mann said that desperate attempts are being made to smuggle drugs into Punjab from across the 532-km border. The consignments being pushed into Punjab may be in small packets, but the BJP, especially the Union Home Minister (Amit Shah), should answer why tons of such consignments are available in BJP-ruled states. The Chief Minister said that Punjab Police have recovered a huge consignment of such drugs from the Mundra Port, which is in the native state of the Union Home Minister. The Union Home Minister (Amit Shah) is not able to check drugs in his own state and is planning to undertake an anti-drug yatra in Punjab, CM Mann added.
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.
Rajasthan Civic Polls 2026: BJP Extends Its Dominance Across Urban Rajasthan
The BJP has emerged as the clear front-runner in Rajasthans 2026 municipal elections, building commanding leads across the states most important urban centres as counting continues in one of the biggest civic contests ahead of the 2028 Assembly election. The Scale of the Contest Rajasthan went to the polls across 309 urban local bodies [] The post Rajasthan Civic Polls 2026: BJP Extends Its Dominance Across Urban Rajasthan appeared first on Tfipost.com .
Raj local polls: Meet candidates who got just 1 vote, or none
In Rajasthan's recent urban local body elections, several candidates experienced unusual results. A BJP candidate and a Congress candidate each secured only one vote, while an RLP candidate received zero votes. These outcomes occurred across different municipalities in Didwana-Kuchaman, Nagaur, and Balotra districts, with one candidate alleging foul play in the vote count.
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.
Hindu shop refuses to give Ganesh Chaturthi donation, attacked
Gujarat: A dispute over donations for Ganpati Chaturthi celebrations turned violent in Gujarats Vadodara after a group of young men vandalised a shop when its owner refused to pay as a donation. The incident occured in Chokhandi area at a store called Rajasthan Kulfi Store. The men demanded Rs 21,000 as a contribution from the 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 .
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
Cong holds Tonk fort, BJP sweeps five municipalities; Deoli, Niwai face hung boards
Digital Desk | Jaipur, Sep 14 (IANS) The civic body election results in Rajasthan's Tonk district have redrawn local political equations, with the Congress retaining control of the Tonk Municipal Council, while the BJP emerged dominant across five other municipalities, underlining its growing footprint in the district. The Congress won 32 of the 59 wards declared in Tonk, securing a clear majority and retaining control of the municipal council. The result is being viewed as a significant political boost for former Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot, whose Assembly constituency is Tonk. The BJP won 19 wards, while 8 seats went to independents. The council has 60 wards, but no election was held in Ward 2, leaving 59 wards for which results were declared. While the Congress maintained its grip on Tonk, the BJP registered decisive victories in Malpura, Todaraisingh, Lambaharisingh, Diggi and Dooni. The BJP secured clear majorities in these five municipalities, making the formation of their municipal boards largely straightforward. The results are being seen as a major political gain for the BJP in the district. The victories in Lambaharisingh, Diggi and Dooni are particularly significant as these bodies have recently been upgraded from gram panchayats to municipalities. The BJP's strong performance in its first municipal elections has strengthened its position in the newly created urban bodies. Except for Dooni, the other three bodies are located in the Malpura Assembly constituency, represented by Rajasthan Water Supply Minister Kanhaiyalal Chaudhary. The political picture remains uncertain in Deoli, where the BJP fell just one seat short of the majority mark. Of the 35 wards, the BJP won 17, Congress secured 8, and independents won 10. Since 18 councillors are required to form the board, the BJP will need support from at least one independent councillor. The independents have therefore emerged as the key players in the board formation. While the BJP is expected to approach them, the Congress could also attempt to influence the final equation. In Niwai, the Congress emerged as the single largest party but failed to secure a majority. As a result, the party's lead in seats alone will not be enough to guarantee control of the municipal board. Independent councillors are once again expected to play a crucial role, with both major parties likely to explore possibilities to secure the numbers needed for board formation. The BJP has also come close to the majority mark in Piplu, making independent councillors potentially decisive here as well. Overall, the Tonk civic election results present a mixed picture. The Congress has successfully defended its political stronghold in Tonk, while the BJP has made significant gains across five municipalities. With Deoli, Niwai and Piplu still dependent on post-election political negotiations, the focus now shifts to the independent councillors whose support could determine who controls these municipal boards.
Rajasthan Civic Polls: BJP Ahead With 3,688 Wards Whilst Independents Secure 2,039 In Tight Contest
After BJP's landslide victory in the Rajasthan Municipal Election, Rajasthan CM Bhajanlal Sharma said that the party is confident of securing even larger majority in the upcoming panchayat elections. Today, I express my sincere gratitude to the people of Rajasthan for the historic and magnificent victory achieved by the Bharatiya Janata Party in the states municipal body elections. I also thank all the party workers who dedicated their time and effort to secure this victory. I dedicate this triumph to them and to the people of Rajasthan, and offer them my congratulations and best wishes, CM said, as reported by news agency ANI .
Rajasthan local body polls: BJP has clear edge over Congress, wins 4,171 wards
Weather Tomorrow: On Tuesday, September 15, anticipate significant rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms in many areas. Specifically, Delhi-NCR and Haryana will face unsettled weather conditions, while Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand expect light to moderate showers, with some regions experiencing heavier downpours. Rain and thunderstorm activity is also predicted for Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan.
Mother dies a day after voting, son wins Rajasthan civic poll by just 1 vote
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.
India to bring 'Sarang' cultural festival to cities across South Korea
Digital Desk | Seoul, Sep 14 (IANS) India's annual cultural festival in South Korea will kick off this week, featuring traditional dance performances and workshops in cities across the country, the Indian Embassy in Seoul said Monday. The 12th edition of 'Sarang - The Festival of India in Korea' will run from Tuesday through September 22 in Seoul, the southeastern cities of Busan and Gimhae, the southwestern city of Gwangju and other regions, according to the Indian Embassy. Launched in 2015, the festival aims to showcase India's diverse culture and strengthen people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, Yonhap News Agency reported. This year's festival will feature Odissi, one of India's major classical dance traditions, performed by a visiting troupe, led by renowned dancer Madhulita Mohapatra. The troupe will give its opening performance at Ewha Womans University in Seoul on Tuesday before travelling to other regions. It will also hold workshops for Korean dance enthusiasts, the embassy said Separately, the 14th Indian Film Festival will be held in November, featuring six award-winning Indian films with Korean subtitles under the theme Against the Odds: Ordinary Lives, Extraordinary Courage, it added. Meanwhile, at Heritage Korea 2026, the Indian Embassy showcased traditional arts and crafts from Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh. India at Heritage Korea 2026: The Embassy showcased Indias vibrant cultural heritage at Heritage Korea 2026 in Gyeongju (September 11-12), featuring traditional arts and crafts from Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh. Mehendi and Mandala art offered visitors an immersive, hands-on experience of Indias rich cultural traditions, the Embassy stated on X. The Embassy also participated in the Sinchon World Youth Festival, showcasing the diversity of Indian culture. Celebrating India at the Sinchon World Youth Festival! The Embassy participated in the Sinchon World Youth Festival from September 12-13, showcasing the diversity of Indian culture, the Embassy stated on X. Visitors enjoyed hands-on experiences of Mandala art and Mehendi, while a captivating Kathak dance performance by SVCC Kathak Teacher and Students brought the elegance of Indias classical traditions to the stage. The Embassy also promoted the upcoming Sarang Festival of India in Korea, inviting audiences to discover more of Indias rich cultural heritage, it added.
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.
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.
Raj local polls: BJP gains edge over Cong; Independents crucial
The ruling BJP has increased its lead over the Congress in the Rajasthan urban local body elections, winning 3,587 wards against Congress's 3,050. Independents also performed strongly, securing 2,024 wards. While BJP secured a clear majority in Udaipur, Congress won in Ajmer and Pali. Bharatpur, the Chief Minister's hometown, saw Independents leading. These elections are a crucial test for the Bhajanlal Sharma-led BJP government ahead of the 2028 Assembly polls.
BJP Candidate Gets 1 Vote Rajasthan Local Body Polls
According to the State Election Commission website, Congress candidate Hina Khanam won the ward with 376 votes, while Independent candidate Rashid Khan secured 195 votes.
BJP candidate gets one vote in Rajasthan local body polls
Mr. Kailashchand said that he was a voter of Ward 12 but the BJP fielded him from the neighbouring Ward 13 of the Parbatsar municipality in Didwana-Kuchaman district
Rajasthan civic body polls 2026: AAP sweeps Baran Nagar Parishad, wins 31 wards; BJP gets nine
In a development that will surely boost the confidence of Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the party has won 31 out of the 60-ward Baran Nagar Parishad, as per the results declared by the...
IMD update: Monsoon may start to exit North-West India in five days
Conditions turn favourable for withdrawal from West Rajasthan by Saturday even as all-India rain-deficit grows to 15%, South Peninsula worst hit with individual shortfall of 28%
'Someone from that ward voted for me': BJP candidate gets 1 vote in Rajasthan
Rajasthan Restaurant Bill Goes Viral After Diner Spots Separate 'Gas' Charge
The diner said they had no issue with the GST on their bill, but a separate 10% gas charge left them questioning how the final amount was calculated.
BJPs Shravan Singh Bagdi Critiques Congress Ahead of Rajasthan Municipal Elections
BJP leader Shravan Singh Bagdi expresses confidence in partys performance, predicts Congress will blame EVMs for losses. BJPs Shravan Singh Bagdi Critiques Congress Ahead of Rajasthan Municipal Elections
Urban local body polls: Counting of votes under way across Rajasthan, BJP takes early lead
The elections, being seen as a major test for the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress ahead of the 2028 Assembly polls, were held in two phases on September 9 and 11
Urban local body polls: Counting of votes under way across Rajasthan, BJP takes early lead
The elections, being seen as a major test for the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress ahead of the 2028 Assembly polls, were held in two phases on September 9 and 11
Monsoon withdrawal from parts of west Rajasthan likely around Sept 19: IMD said in bulletin
The Bharatpur Municipal Corporation election in Rajasthan has thrown up a significant political contest, with independent candidates emerging as a major force in the 65-ward civic body. Neither the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) nor the...
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.
AQIS mounts digital push in India, seeks to rebuild operational capabilities
Digital Desk | New Delhi, Sep 14 (IANS) The Al-Qaeda in the Sub-Continent (AQIS) has been gradually re-building its capabilities and is seeking to regain its lost glory. While on one hand it has been regrouping in Afghanistan, on the other it has increased its recruitment cum radicalisation drive in India. An official said that the Al-Qaeda which faced huge losses after its top leadership was wiped out, has been quietly building bases in Afghanistan. According to reports, the Al-Qaeda has, in the last three years built eight bases. These are serving as training camps, which also offer instructions in handling of weapons and explosives. Some of these camps are also offering training in Artificial Intelligence (AI), drone operations and encryption. An Intelligence Bureau official said these developments not only pose a direct security risk to India, but to Afghanistan as well. As the Al-Qaeda continued to rebuild its camps, the Islamic State, an arch rival also stepped up operations. The Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP) which is currently backed by the ISI, would engage in a fierce battle with the Al-Qaeda and this is not good news for the region, the official added. Another official said that rebuilding on Afghan soil is one part of the problem. The other is that there has been a renewed push within India to recruit and radicalise as many youth as possible. The Al-Qaeda has been targeting states such as Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Kerala, the official said. Officials say that the AQIS was formed with the intention of targeting India. The outfit has shown a great deal of interest on the Kashmir issue and has tried setting up units over there. However, its biggest focus as of now is on Uttar Pradesh. When the AQIS was launched its operations were headed by Maulana Asim Sheikh Umar. He hailed from Sambhal in Uttar Pradesh and his right hand man Mohammad Usman also hails from the same state. Over the years, these linkages have helped the Al-Qaeda set up a network in states such as Uttar Pradesh. Initially it focussed only on digital activity. The brief for this network was to circulate content that called for an armed revolution or Jihad against the Indian government. Last week, the UP Anti Terrorism Squad (ATS) arrested a 19-year-old alleged operative of the AQIS from Azamgarh. Mohammad Nabil is accused of circulating content that promotes Jihad. His brief was to connect with as many youth as possible and recruit them. He was focussing heavily on getting in touch with persons in Jammu and Kashmir, the UP ATS said. Officials say that it wants a strong operational base in Afghanistan, while in India it is planning a massive digital network that would focus on radicalisation, spreading disinformation and calling for Jihad against the Indian state. Counter-terrorism experts say that India already faces immense threats from the Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Tayiba. It is also dealing with terror groups such as the Harkat-ul-Jihadi Islami (HuJI) and Ansarullah Bangla Team (ABT) that operate from Bangladesh. While the Islamic State has been spreading its ideology fast and wide in certain pockets of India, this rebuilding exercise by the AQIS poses a fresh challenge. The AQIS on the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks released a video of Osama Bin Ladens son, Hamza Bin Laden. This was a clear strategy to have a cult like figure at the helm as it would immensely help in recruitments, the experts also say. Officials say that the Al-Qaedas links with the Pakistan-sponsored terror groups are nothing new. The Mumbai 26/11 attacks, which were among one of the worst that the country has faced, had the blessings of the Al-Qaeda. Ilyas Kashmiri, the then head of the Al-Qaedas 313 Brigade had worked closely with David Headley and other Lashkar-e-Tayiba operatives to plan and execute this attack. The Lashkar-e-Tayiba could very well take the support of a renewed Al-Qaeda for attacks in Jammu and Kashmir. India is facing a challenge on the security front from various quarters and hence closely monitoring every small activity by these terror groups would be crucial for national security, an official said.
BJP Takes Early Lead In Rajasthan Civic Polls
BJP Wins 1,937 Wards, Congress 1,646 As Counting Continues Across 309 Urban Local Bodies
The Supreme Court has intervened in the long-running dispute concerning land allotment in Sikar, Rajasthan, directing the Rajasthan High Court to reconsider the matter in accordance with the applicable legal framework and the issues arising from the allotment process. The dispute pertains to the legality of the land allotment and the manner in which the [] The post Sikar Land allotment dispute: Supreme Court remits matter to Rajasthan High Court for fresh consideration appeared first on India Legal .
Rajasthan Civic Poll Results 2026: BJP Takes Lead, Bhajan Lal Sharma Credits PM Modi
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is in pole position in Rajasthan Assembly polls, giving Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma a fillip as counting of votes in the civic body elections is in the offing. The total number of urban local 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
'We benefited from PM Modi's popularity': CM Bhajan Lal Sharma on BJP's Rajasthan performance
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has taken a strong lead in Rajasthan's urban local body election results, putting Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma at the centre of attention. As counting continues, the BJP is ahead across the state's 10 municipal corporations and has also established a strong position in a large number of municipal councils and municipalities.
Rajasthan Municipal Election Results: Tight Race Between Congress and BJP in Alwar and Other Cities
Alwars municipal election results show a close contest between Congress and BJP, with independents also making their mark. Rajasthan Municipal Election Results: Tight Race Between Congress and BJP in Alwar and Other Cities
Congress secures majority in Vasundhara Raje's stronghold in Jhalawar Nagar Parishad
In a major setback for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Congress has secured a clear majority in the Jhalawar Municipal Council in Rajasthan, winning 29 of the 45 wards. The result is significant...
Police Detain Three in Alwar After Deaths of Young Men
Three young men died in Alwar, Rajasthan, leading police to detain suspects as investigations into the incident continue. Police Detain Three in Alwar After Deaths of Young Men
Heavy Rain Alert: Delhi, UP, Rajasthan Among States Set for Stormy Weather; Strong Winds Likely
Weather conditions are expected to remain unsettled across large parts of India, with rain, thunderstorms, lightning and strong winds likely to affect several states. According to the weather forecast cited in the report, widespread weather activity could continue on September 14 and intensify in so...
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.
Rajasthan Municipal Election Results to be Announced Today
Election results for 309 urban local bodies in Rajasthan will be declared today, impacting nearly 39,000 candidates. Rajasthan Municipal Election Results to be Announced Today
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.
Jodhpur Municipal Corporation Election Results LIVE: Counting of votes to begin shortly
The Jodhpur Municipal Corporation election in Rajasthan was held on September 11, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Congress and independent candidates putting up a strong fight to take control of the city's civic administration. Vote counting will begin at 8 am today. A total of 71.95 per cent of voters in Jodhpur exercised their right to vote. In terms of votes, 512,410 people cast their votes out of a total of 712,164 voters.
