Pilot questions own govt's move on mayors' elections

Rajasthan's Deputy Chief Minister Sachin Pilot on Friday questioned his own government's decision on elections to posts of hes of urban local bodies. Taking a stand that appeared to go against view of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, Pilot me it clear he was t consulted on decision that was tified on Wednesday.

Two or ministers in Congress-run state have separately opposed move that allows people who are t elected councillors to contest for posts like mayors and chairpersons of corporations and municipalities. n-councillor candidates still have to be elected by councillors to top posts. "This is t a good decision and I do t agree with this. decision is t practical and t politically right and re is a need to make changes to decision," Pilot told reporters in Jhunjhunu. "We decided to hold an indirect election for posts of mayor and chairperson. This was fine. But suddenly a new decision appeared that I came to kw from newspapers. This was t discussed in cabinet or legislative party meeting," he said.

Pilot, who is Rajasthan Congress president, claimed that new system, which is being called a hybrid, will allow people to become urban body hes through back door. He said democracy is t strengned if a candidate who could t win a councillors' election is allowed to contest for mayor's post. "Our party and government have always said that democracy should be strengned," he said. "I do t think such a system has been implemented in any state of country," he said, ding that decision needs to be changed. A gazette tification to amend rules on election of mayors and chairpersons was issued on Wednesday.

On Thursday, Food and Civil Supply Minister Ramesh Meena and Transport Minister Pratap Singh Khachariyawas separately expressed apprehension, saying it could le to resentment among party workers. Khachariyawas said system was an injustice to those who worked in field and won councillors' elections. When asked about comments by se two ministers, Chief Minister Gehlot said everyone is concerned about delivering good governance. " cabinet, all MLAs and entire government is engd in that. Elections for local bodies and Panchayati Raj are coming. We will fight and will win elections," chief minister told reporters in Jhunjhunu. Pilot and Gehlot were toger in Jhunjhunu where y dressed a rally in support of Rita Chaudhary, who is contesting assembly by-polls for Mandawa seat. Later, y talked separately with media.

Reacting to development, BJP state president Satish Poonia said a government cant do good to people when it's in itself divided on issues. " Congress has always betrayed people. It is misleing people. When its ministers are expressing dissatisfaction with decision n how can government do good for people," he said.

Rifts in Rajasthan Congress surfaced after Assembly elections last December that were followed by intense lobbying for chief minister's post. While Gehlot was picked by central leership for top post, Pilot h to settle for deputy's spot. Recently, Pilot expressed concern over law and order situation in state and his remark was seen as a comment on Gehlot's performance.