Former Ajmer mayor Dharmendra Gehlot quits BJP

Jaipur: The BJP has suffered a setback ahead of Rajasthan’s civic elections after former Ajmer Mayor Dharmendra Gehlot resigned from the party’s primary membership and sought to be relieved of his responsibility as Nagaur district in-charge.

In a video statement, Gehlot alleged that Rajasthan Assembly Speaker Vasudev Devnani had used his influence to put him under pressure over political and ideological differences.

Gehlot said the Department of Local Self-Government had issued notices to him in connection with cases dating back to 2015–20 and 2021. He alleged that the notices were issued at Devnani’s behest.

“Everyone knows that I have political and ideological differences with him. He did this to put me under pressure,” Gehlot said, adding that he would not bow down despite any consequences.

He said he had remained a loyal BJP worker and did not want the party to face embarrassment or give the Congress an opportunity to exploit the issue. Gehlot said his resignation from the party and the Nagaur district in-charge post would remain in effect until the matters were resolved.

Gehlot said he would soon place before the public the facts related to both cases and clarify his stand. He also confirmed that he had sent a letter to the BJP seeking to be relieved of his membership and organisational responsibilities.

The controversy relates to the approval of maps in 13 files during the leave period of the then Municipal Corporation Commissioner, when Gehlot was mayor. A judicial inquiry was later initiated, with the Judicial Department reportedly holding him responsible.

The Anti-Corruption Bureau had also begun an investigation in 2019, though prosecution sanction was not granted at the time. The state government has now granted sanction for prosecution in the case.

Separately, the Department of Local Self-Government, acting on the judicial inquiry report, has issued Gehlot a notice asking why he should not be disqualified from contesting elections for six years under the Rajasthan Municipalities Act. He has reportedly been given three days to respond.

Responding to the row, Devnani said he had no differences with anyone.

The development comes at a crucial time for the BJP, with civic elections nearing in Rajasthan and the dispute between two prominent Ajmer leaders becoming public.

Congress leaders targeted the BJP over Gehlot’s allegations. City District Congress Committee president Rajkumar Jaipal said the video had brought claims of intimidation and harassment of senior BJP leaders and former elected representatives into the public domain.

Former RTDC chairman Dharmendra Rathore said the episode raised questions about internal discontent in the BJP and its democratic functioning. City Congress District vice-president Vivek Parashar said Gehlot would not be left alone to face any alleged pressure, injustice or harassment.

The allegations made by Gehlot and Congress leaders are political claims. Devnani has denied having differences with anyone.

(Inputs from IANS)