BJP MP Ramesh Bidhuri’s Remarks Spark Controversy Over Alleged Appeasement Policy in Tonk, Rajasthan
BJP MP Ramesh Bidhuri’s recent remarks have ignited a controversy surrounding the alleged appeasement policy of the Rajasthan government in Tonk district. Bidhuri, who has been appointed as the BJP’s election in-charge in Tonk, has made multiple visits to the district since September to oversee the preparations for the upcoming Assembly elections on November 25.
Tonk district, which has a significant Muslim population, holds four Assembly seats, of which the BJP currently occupies only one. In an attempt to make inroads into the Muslim community, the BJP has fielded Gujjar leader Vijay Bainsla as one of its candidates from the Deoli-Uniara constituency. On the other hand, the ruling Congress is yet to announce its list of candidates for the State.
During his interactions with party workers and constituents, Bidhuri accused the Congress government of engaging in appeasement politics and favoring a particular community for political gains. He emphasized the importance of treating all sections of the population equally and urged party workers to raise awareness among voters and reject appeasement.
Bidhuri’s role in Tonk is seen as an attempt by the BJP to consolidate Hindu voters, but it may face challenges in Tonk city, where the Congress enjoys a strong position. Despite Bidhuri’s Gujjar identity, countering Congress leader Sachin Pilot, who is likely to contest the upcoming polls from Tonk, could prove difficult.
The BJP MP’s comments come at a time when he is yet to appear before the Lok Sabha Privileges Committee for his derogatory remarks against BSP MP Danish Ali. Bidhuri has cited his extensive visits outside of New Delhi as the reason for his inability to attend the committee hearings.
Furthermore, Bidhuri has taken advantage of the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict to target the Congress. He criticized the party for allegedly supporting Hamas through its resolution on the attack on Israel, claiming that it encouraged anti-national elements and traitors within the country.
Tonk district, with its Muslim population comprising 10.77% of the total, presents an interesting dynamic for the upcoming elections. The BJP’s attempts to consolidate Hindu voters may have a greater impact in the constituencies of Deoli-Uniara, Malpura, and Niwai, where communal tensions have existed in the past.
Observers believe that Bidhuri’s remarks may have the opposite effect, mobilizing voters with secular outlooks, including Muslims, to cast their ballots in large numbers and support the Congress. Members of different communities in Tonk district have expressed contrasting opinions on Bidhuri’s statements, with some stating that the BJP has failed to whip up communal sentiments in previous elections.
While the political landscape in Tonk remains complex, the BJP aims to bring national issues to the forefront, hoping to build a favorable public opinion. As the November 25 Assembly elections approach, both the BJP and the Congress continue their efforts to gain support from different sections of the population in Tonk and across Rajasthan.
