Congress alleges detention of party councillors in Haryana ahead of poll

The Congress alleged on Monday that several of its councillors were detained in Haryana while returning from Himachal Pradesh, where the party had relocated them to prevent defections before upcoming municipal elections in Rajasthan. The party described the detention as an attempt to obstruct its organisational activities and undermine the electoral process.

According to Congress representatives, the councillors had been moved to Himachal Pradesh as a precautionary measure to keep them away from opposition overtures ahead of the local body polls scheduled in Rajasthan. The alleged detention during their return journey has drawn sharp criticism from the party, which claims the action constitutes harassment of its workers.

The incident highlights the high-stakes nature of the upcoming municipal elections in Rajasthan, with both major political parties employing various tactics to secure their support base. Defections of elected representatives have been a persistent concern for both Congress and its political rivals during election cycles.

The Haryana authorities have not yet issued a formal response to the Congress allegations. The matter comes at a sensitive time as parties prepare for the local body elections, which are expected to serve as a crucial indicator of political sentiment in the state.