Rajasthan civic polls: EVM glitches disrupt polling at some booths in final phase
The failure of electronic voting machines led to disruptions and protests in some places. File | Photo credit: PTI
EVM-related glitches were reported in some polling booths in Jaipur, Jhunjhunu, Pushkar and several other places in Rajasthan on Friday (September 11, 2026) during the opening hours of voting in the second and final phase of the municipal body elections.
Malfunction of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) also led to disruptions and protests in some places.
Voting began at 7 am for the city’s 147 local bodies, with more than 87 million voters able to decide the fate of 18,266 candidates. Voting will continue until 6:00 p.m
According to the State Election Commission, 87,60,884 voters can cast their vote in 9,758 polling stations for 4,774 wards in six city corporations, 24 municipal councils and 117 municipalities.
Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot cast his vote along with his wife Sunita Gehlot, son Vaibhav Gehlot and daughter-in-law Himanshi Gehlot at a polling booth in Mahamandir area of Jodhpur.
After casting his vote, Mr Gehlot targeted the BJP government and said, “Some forces are trying to weaken the constitution. There is a need to strengthen the constitution further. People should teach it (BJP) a lesson.”
Claiming that the situation in Rajasthan was “very serious”, Mr Gehlot alleged that the ruling BJP had done nothing in the last two-and-a-half years.
Meanwhile, the BJP has lodged a complaint with the Jodhpur district election officer alleging violation of the model code of conduct at the polling station in ward 82 where Gehlot cast his vote.
The party alleged that a member of the polling team stood up and touched Gehlot’s feet when he reached the polling booth. It alleged that the act reflected political bias and demanded action against the polling staff concerned.
Rajasthan BJP president Madan Rathore cast his vote in Sumerpur in Pali district.
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma, in a post on social media ahead of the polls, appealed to people to exercise their right to vote.
“Every single vote strengthens the foundations of the city’s development, better infrastructure and a brighter future,” Mr Sharma said. He also urged first-time voters to participate enthusiastically and encourage others to vote.
In Jaipur, there was an altercation at a polling station set up in ward 114 after supporters of an independent candidate protested against the presence of a Congress candidate inside the station. After the argument, the police arrived at the scene.
In Jhunjhunu district, independent candidate Ashok Sharma was allegedly assaulted before polling in Chidawa village. Mr. Sharma claimed that he was attacked by three men on a motorcycle and injured on the head. The police were looking into the case.
Former minister and BJP leader Anita Bhadel was among the first voters. The Ajmer South MLA expressed confidence that the BJP will do well in the elections.
The six municipal corporations contesting the elections are Jaipur, Ajmer, Jodhpur, Kota, Udaipur and Pali.
The Jaipur Municipal Corporation, with 150 wards, is the largest civic body at this stage. It has 24.33 million voters and 2,256 polling stations in which there are 723 candidates.
The first phase of polling was held in 162 urban local bodies on September 9 and saw a voter turnout of 76.41%.
Elections to the 309 urban local bodies of Rajasthan are being held in two phases. The counting of votes for the positions of councilors will begin on September 14.
Mayors and chairmen will be elected on September 21, deputy mayors, vice-chairmen and vice-chairmen of municipalities on September 22.
Published – 11 Sep 2026 13:18 IST