As Rajasthan civic body election results were declared on Monday, a number of candidates of both the BJP and the Congress from different wards of Jaipur Municipal Corporation continued to stay at different resorts where they were put up, in an apparent bid to prevent horse-trading.

The candidates were moved to the resorts on September 12, a day after the polling was completed.

While the Congress lodged its candidates at Asithiriya Resort near Nayi Ka Nath Dham in Bassi, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders are staying at Bhanwar Resort, Delhi Road.

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These candidates were sequestered to these resorts in buses and were asked to pack enough clothes and other essentials to last them till September 21, which was expected to be the date for nomination of mayor candidates, sources said. Now, the date is likely to be postponed with five booths in Jaipur set to go for re-polling.

Meanwhile, a number of Congress candidates were reportedly not happy with the arrangement made by the party and left their resort late on September 12 night, alleging poor arrangements for accommodation and food.

These included candidates from Malviya Nagar, Sanganer and Bagru Assembly constituencies, who alleged that they were facing difficulties in getting rooms and food at the resort.

‘Some candidates turned back midway’

Candidates from the Civil Lines constituency turned back midway after being informed by other candidates about the arrangements at the resort, sources said.

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Deepak Dandoriya, son of candidate Meena Dandoriya, said, “The arrangement was not good and not many rooms were available for the people. Due to the arrival of candidates from Alwar, there was not enough space. So, my mother decided to come back.”

According to the candidates, Congress candidates from Alwar had also been accommodated at the same resort by Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully. This, they alleged, resulted in a shortage of rooms for the Jaipur candidates. Women candidates reportedly faced greater difficulties, with several accompanied by their children.

Those who remained at the venue said they struggled to find food after reaching the resort. Several candidates had arrived without having dinner at home, expecting arrangements to be made at the resort, but complained that adequate food was not available, sources said.

The situation reportedly became tense late at night when some candidates tried to leave the resort but security didn’t let them do so. They were later allowed to go.

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Congress Spokesperson Swarnim Chaturvedi told , “There were a few mistakes initially which is why some candidates went back. But now the preparations are complete and councillors all over the state are being kept in a proper manner.”

With the BJP getting 78 seats and Congress clinching 53 so far, out of the 150 total seats in Jaipur, the losing candidates of both parties have been sent home.

Candidates will be kept at the resorts till the mayor is appointed, sources said.