Local body polls announced in Rajasthan; Congress launches panchayat task force campaign

Local body polls confirmed in Rajasthan; Congress launches panchayat task force campaign The model code of conduct came into force in all 309 urban local bodies with the declaration of elections.

Key points

• Elections to all 309 urban local bodies in Rajasthan will be held in two phases on September 9 and 11, the State Election Commission confirmed here on Wednesday (August 19, 2026).
• Among the 1.44 crore voters in the local body areas, 25.40% are in the age group of 26 to 35 years and 14.7% in 18 to 25 years.
• State Election Commissioner Rajeshwar Singh remarked the general meetings of Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils and municipalities would be held on September 22.
• The Opposition Congress introduced a panchayat task force campaign in the State in preparation for the local body and Panchayati Raj elections.
• The model code of conduct came into force in all 309 urban local bodies with the declaration of elections.

Elections to all 309 urban local bodies in Rajasthan will be held in two phases on September 9 and 11, the State Election Commission confirmed here on Wednesday (August 19, 2026). While the nomination process will start with the issuance of notification on August 27, the counting of votes will be held on September 14.

Notably, the Opposition Congress introduced a panchayat task force campaign in the State in preparation for the local body and Panchayati Raj elections. It will reflect the voters' mood in the third year of the Bharatiya Janata Party administration. The task force is projected to identify potential candidates for the polls.

Among the 1.44 crore voters in the local body areas, 25.40% are in the age group of 26 to 35 years and 14.7% in 18 to 25 years. The Congress intends to influence these sections of voters by encouraging them to actively participate in the grassroots politics and work with the party to ensure betterment of local communities.

For context, the model code of conduct came into force in all 309 urban local bodies with the declaration of elections. As the Rajasthan High Court has directed the State administration to complete the polls by November, elections to the Panchayati Raj institutions will be held after the local body polls are completed.

State Election Commissioner Rajeshwar Singh remarked the general meetings of Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils and municipalities would be held on September 22. Elections for deputy mayors, deputy chairpersons and municipal vice-chairpersons will be conducted during these meetings.

Notably, the initiative to appoint the panchayat task force was introduced here in the presence of Indian Youth Congress national general secretary Shesh Narayan Ojha, Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Govind Singh Dotasra, and Leader of Opposition Tika Ram Jully. Mr. Dotasra remarked the party would produce an attempt to offer 50% of the tickets to young candidates.

"The task force will identify potential candidates and refer their names to the PCC. The distribution of ticket will be done as per the party's established selection process, " Mr. Dotasra remarked.

Mr. Ojha remarked the organisation would identify young residents below the age of 39 who were not at present associated with the Congress but had "faith in the constitutional values". Such individuals will be provided training and backing to prepare them for contesting elections.

Notably, the national coordinators of Indian Youth Congress will visit blocks and village panchayats throughout the State as part of the initiative to reach out to young aspirants who are willing to contest elections. Mr. Ojha remarked the youth would be encouraged to bring their worries to senior party leaders and obtain involved in creating political solutions. (EOM).

Taken together, the developments around local body polls announced in Rajasthan; Congress launches panchayat task force campaign point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.