Shimla, May 23, 2026
A delegation of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by State Election Cell Convener J.C. Sharma, met the State Election Commission on Friday and lodged a complaint regarding the state government’s cabinet meeting held on May 22 amid the enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct for Panchayati Raj elections.
BJP district president Keshav Chauhan was also part of the delegation. In the memorandum submitted to the Commission, the party alleged that despite the Model Code of Conduct being in force, the state government took decisions related to recruitment, financial benefits, salary hikes, pensions, and welfare schemes during the cabinet meeting, which could directly influence the electoral process.
J.C. Sharma stated that such announcements and decisions by the government were an attempt to influence voters and were against the spirit of the Model Code of Conduct. The BJP urged the Election Commission to take immediate cognizance of the matter, suspend the implementation of the announced decisions and notifications until the completion of the election process, and initiate appropriate action for the alleged violation.
The party further said that ensuring free, fair, and transparent Panchayat elections is the responsibility of the Election Commission and demanded strict action in the matter.
