Jaipur: A political controversy has erupted ahead of the Tijara Municipal Council chairperson election after 18 Congress-backed councillors reportedly became unreachable while travelling from Himachal Pradesh to Rajasthan through Haryana.
Congress leaders have alleged that the councillors were stopped in Haryana near Panchkula while returning to Tijara to participate in the chairperson election. The allegations have triggered protests by Congress leaders outside a police station in Pinjore.
Congress Alleges Councillors Were Stopped
According to Congress leaders, the 18 councillors and members of their families had travelled to Kasauli in Himachal Pradesh after the municipal elections. They began their return journey to Tijara on Sunday evening.
Congress alleged that their vehicles were intercepted near the Chandimandir-Surajpur toll plaza in Panchkula and that the councillors were subsequently taken towards the Morni Hills.
Following the reports, Congress leaders and supporters gathered outside the Pinjore police station and staged a protest, demanding information about the councillors.
Haryana Police Denies Detention
Panchkula Police has denied detaining the councillors. Assistant Commissioner of Police Ram Kumar said police had no role in the alleged detention.
Police said Congress leaders had reported that the councillors could not be contacted after reaching the Surajpur or nearby area. Officials later received information suggesting that the group had travelled towards Shahabad or Ambala, though their immediate whereabouts were not confirmed in the available reports.
Controversy Ahead of Tijara Chairperson Poll
The incident comes just ahead of the Tijara Municipal Council chairperson election, adding to political tensions in the Rajasthan-Haryana region.
Congress has also approached the Rajasthan High Court over the issue. The court did not provide immediate relief, with the State Election Commission expected to consider the matter based on the relevant administrative report and election process.
The allegations of detention and the whereabouts of the councillors remain subject to investigation and further official clarification.