Political Race Intensifies in BJP as Leaders Compete for Assembly Election Tickets
The political race for assembly election tickets within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has reached its boiling point as party members scramble to secure their positions. This fierce competition has led to an influx of aspiring candidates, including sitting MLAs, former MLAs, party executives, and retired officials, who are passionately seeking endorsements from both central and state BJP leaders.
In a bid to strengthen their chances of victory, at least ten retired IAS/IPS officials are presently based in either Jaipur or Delhi, engaging in extensive meetings with various political figures. They are assuring these leaders of their ability to secure victory if provided with the coveted party ticket. Furthermore, some sitting MLAs are requesting a change in their constituencies, citing demographic changes and caste calculations as reasons for this strategic move.
According to reliable sources, Rajendra Rathore, the Leader of the Opposition and a six-term MLA, has been advised to consider the Taranagar assembly segment instead of his stronghold in Churu. The party’s internal survey indicates that Churu is a comfortable seat for the BJP, with Rathore having an advantage there. However, Taranagar is at risk of being lost to rival parties, making it crucial for Rathore to contest from that constituency. Having won the Taranagar seat in the 2008 polls, Rathore is confident of securing victory comfortably. If Rathore agrees to contest from Taranagar, it will likely ensure triumph in both seats, strengthening the BJP’s position.
In preparation for the upcoming assembly polls, the BJP is considering fielding four Members of Parliament (MPs) as candidates. Rajsamand MP Diya Kumari is exploring the Chabbra and Hawa Mahal seats. The party believes she would be a strong contender for the Civil Lines constituency, where she could potentially challenge the incumbent cabinet minister and prominent Congress leader Pratap Singh Khachariyawas. Kumari’s royal background, coupled with her positive relationships with various communities, including minorities, positions her as a formidable candidate to take on Khachariyawas in Civil Lines.
Another potential candidate is Alwar MP Balak Nath, who can either contest from Alwar or Tijara. Known for his fiery nature, Balak Nath has been inducted into the BJP by the state president, CP Joshi.
Former state president Arun Chaturvedi, who lost to Khachariyawas in the 2018 assembly polls, is also eyeing the Dausa and Sanganer seats. Sanganer, with its significant Brahmin voter base, is seen as a favorable constituency for the BJP. Chaturvedi’s Brahmin background might give him an upper hand against his main competitor, Pushpendra Bhardwaj from the Congress party.
Moreover, retired DGP of Madhya Pradesh, Pawan Kumar, recently joined the BJP and expressed his desire to contest the upcoming polls from the Rajakhera constituency in Dholpur. Kumar, a native of Rajakhera, engaged in several discussions with BJP leaders before his induction. Meanwhile, Malvika Sharma, a public policy expert and alumna of the London School of Economics, is also vying for the BJP’s ticket in Rajakhera. As the granddaughter of Congress leader Banwarilal Sharma, Malvika has conducted extensive research, analyzing socio-economic indicators in 22 out of 46 Gram Panchayats. Her findings highlight potential problem areas and interventions that can uplift the tehsil as an aspirational district.
The race for assembly election tickets in the BJP has taken on a feverish intensity, with candidates from various backgrounds and experiences campaigning vigorously. This tough competition reflects the party’s determination to secure victory in the upcoming assembly polls.
