Rajasthan: Eyes On SEC After Missing Khatushyamji Councillor Lakshmi Devi Found

September 22, 2026

Jaipur: The political drama surrounding the Khatushyamji Municipality Chairperson election took a fresh turn on Tuesday after police traced Congress councillor Lakshmi Devi, whose absence from the voting process had led to a dispute between the BJP and Congress camps.

The election for the posts of Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson had been postponed following directions from the State Election Commission (SEC) after Lakshmi Devi, the Congress councillor from Ward 10, failed to appear for voting. The ballot boxes were sealed after the voting process could not be completed.

With Lakshmi now traced, attention has shifted to the SEC and the authorities over the next course of action, including whether she can participate in the voting process or whether the election will be conducted afresh.

Lakshmi’s Absence Triggers Political Clash

The controversy intensified after Lakshmi’s husband, Harlal, submitted a written complaint to DSP Rajesh Jangid, who was present at the spot. In the complaint, he alleged that Congress leader Shyam Sundar Poonia had kidnapped his wife.

The kidnapping allegation has not been independently established.

The allegation led to protests by Congress supporters and a confrontation between BJP and Congress workers. Supporters of both parties raised slogans as tensions mounted at the municipal premises.

Lakshmi’s husband had also staged a sit-in along with BJP leaders, demanding that she be given sufficient time and an opportunity to cast her vote. BJP leaders maintained that her vote was important because of the close numbers in the municipality.

BJP, Congress Take Different Positions

The BJP has argued that Lakshmi should be allowed to exercise her voting right, while Congress leaders have maintained that the election should be decided on the basis of votes already cast.

The issue is significant because of the closely divided composition of the 20-member Khatushyamji Municipality. Reports indicate that the BJP and Congress each have eight councillors, along with three Independents and one RLP councillor.

Lakshmi is also reported to have a family connection with the BJP candidate, adding to the political dispute surrounding her absence.

Congress has indicated that it could approach the court if the voting process is reopened, arguing that the election should be concluded without accommodating the councillor who was absent from the scheduled voting.

SEC Decision Now Crucial

Police have confirmed that Lakshmi Devi has been found, although details about where she was located and the circumstances surrounding her absence and recovery have not been publicly disclosed.

Authorities are expected to place the matter before the appropriate legal and election authorities, while the circumstances surrounding her disappearance remain subject to investigation.

The Returning Officer had earlier postponed the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson elections following the late-night developments and directions from the State Election Commission. The ballot boxes were subsequently secured in a strong room under security.

With Lakshmi now traced, the immediate focus is on the SEC’s decision on the next step in the Khatushyamji Municipality election. Its decision will determine whether the voting process resumes, a fresh polling date is announced or the matter proceeds through another legal or administrative route.