Jaipur: An independent councillor elected from Marwar Junction municipality in Pali district died Tuesday, a day after the urban local body poll results were declared, with Congress claiming he was in touch with the party and had indicated support for its bid to form the governing board in the civic body.Abrar Khan (58), who won from Ward 7, complained of severe chest pain while having tea at his home around 8 am. He was rushed to Bangar Hospital in Pali, where doctors declared him dead around 9 am. His death is suspected to have been caused by a heart attack.Khan’s death comes at a crucial juncture for the 25-member municipality, where BJP and Congress have won 11 wards each, while three seats went to independents. With neither party having a majority, the remaining two independents hold the key to board formation in the municipality.Congress functionaries claimed Khan was in touch with the party and had indicated that he would support it in forming the board. His death has now altered the political arithmetic, with both parties reassessing their prospects ahead of the election for the municipality chairperson scheduled for Sept 21.State Election Commission office said a bypoll for the ward would be held “as soon as possible”. However, officials confirmed that Khan’s death would not impact the scheduled election for chairperson on Sept 21.
