TNR News Network
Indora
Former Indora MLA Manohar Dhiman has strongly criticized the ongoing Panchayati Raj elections in Himachal Pradesh, alleging that the process has failed the test of democratic norms and fairness. In a statement, Dhiman accused the state government of orchestrating a deliberate conspiracy to sideline opposition-backed candidates and prominent local leaders by exploiting administrative machinery and legal technicalities.
Key Allegations Raised by Dhiman:
- Ordinance at the Last Minute: Dhiman pointed out that the Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026 was enforced on May 6, just a day before nomination dates (May 7, 8, and 11). He argued that candidates were left with less than 24 hours to understand or challenge the sweeping changes, calling it a one-sided and imposed arrangement.
- Targeting Indora’s Women: He criticized the inclusion of “daughter-in-law” under the definition of “family” in Section 122 of the Act, which disqualifies women from contesting if their in-laws have pending land disputes. Dhiman termed this clause “anti-women and regressive,” penalizing women for decades-old disputes they have no connection with.
- Contradictions in Eligibility: Despite being listed in local ration cards and voter rolls, many women married into Indora from neighboring states were disqualified on technical grounds such as caste certificates and domicile issues. Dhiman said, “When the government seeks their votes, they are citizens of Himachal, but when they wish to contest, they are treated as outsiders.”
- Administrative Suppression of Enthusiasm: He highlighted that Indora block witnessed massive participation with 449 nominations for ward panch seats and 71 for BDC seats. However, he alleged that returning officers rejected opposition-supported nominations over minor clerical errors, branding them as “fraudulent.” He further accused the government of using recent High Court rulings to impose six-year bans on candidates for trivial mistakes, aiming to eliminate rural opposition leadership.
Declaring the elections no longer “free and fair,” Dhiman vowed to resist what he described as “administrative manipulation backed by state power.” He assured the people of Indora, especially women, that appeals would be filed before higher authorities and legal remedies pursued. He concluded by asserting that the self-respecting people of Indora would expose this “government tyranny” through the power of their votes.
