Dholpur Bypoll 2017: Both the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress are geared up for a tough fight in the upcoming by-elections for the Dholpur assembly seat that was vacated after BSP MLA B.L. Kushwah was convicted for a murder case. Experiencing a shameful defeat at the hands of BJP leaders in Uttrakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Goa and Manipur, Rajasthan Congress seems in disarray. While Congress is fighting tooth and nail to retain their standing, Dholpur by-elections is a prestige issue for chief minister Vasundhara Raje, who was married to King Hemant Singh of the erstwhile royal family of Dholpur.
Why is the Dholpur Seat important for both the Parties?
Dholpur by election is likely to reflect the voter’s view on political parties. Though it may not have any substantial impact on the overall stability of the current government, considering Rajasthan state assembly elections are around the corner, the symbolic nature has made the by-poll quite significant. Local political gurus are keeping a keen eye on the by-polls to predict the results of 2018 Rajasthan elections.
Despite Dholpur being a BJP stronghold, the leaders received a setback in 2013 elections as they could retain just one reserved constituency of Baseri. The remaining three seats went of Bari and Rajakhera went to Congress whereas Dholpur went to BSP. Therefore, winning the Dholpur seat is a matter of influence, reputation and respect for BJP.
With reports of in-house conflicts, the Congress needs to deal with skeletons inside their closet first. In the light of recent bickering, the party couldn’t find a single eligible candidate except the 76-year-old Sharma who has contested in 11 elections without any major success. Through Sharma’s son was the primary choice for the seat, seeing his inactivity and lack of support from the state leaders, the Congress high command decided it’s best to depend on the old brigade for the job. This many not be a very wise decision on Congress’s part considering that many senior leaders including former CM Ashok Gehlot have succumbed to the ‘Modi wave’ in previous elections.
BJP and Congress Prepare for the Face-Off
By fielding Kushwah’s wife Shobha Rani in the home turf of CM Raje, the BJP leaders are banking on sympathy votes. For those who don’t know, Kushwah was convicted in a case of ‘honor killing’ in 2002. Thereafter, he was sentenced to life imprisonment by the court in December 2012. Ms. Shobharani herself is an accused, along with her husband in a chit fund fraud case wherein a lot of complainants had blamed the Kushwah couple for cheating gullible investors by promising lucrative returns on deposits.
Despite Kushwah’s conviction, he continues to be a popular leader among local communities. Caste-based votes could be a solid reason for inducting Ms. Kushwah and her supporters into the party since her community holds a significant strength among 1.82 lakh voters in Dholpur.
On the other hand, the Congress is counting on former MLA Banwari Lal Sharma to work his magic. If the Congress high command is to be believed, Sharma, who was defeated by Kushwah with a margin of 9000 votes, will impose a tough challenge for Shobharani.
BJP Endorses ‘Development’ as a Weapon for Winning Elections
The ruling BJP banks on CM’s efforts to work on-ground to guarantee her party’s victory. The party had already implemented major infrastructure projects like—
- Gramin Gaurav path phase I (Rs 550 lakhs) wherein 11 link roads were constructed,
- Urban Gaurav path (Rs 250 lakhs),
- Restorative work in schools under Samnvyak Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan (worth Rs 326.48 lakh),
- Solar Energy Mission project for agriculturists,
- Veterinary clinics for livestock.
Just recently the CM has sanctioned Rs 50-crore for revamping road connectivity in Dholpur district under phase II of the Gaurav path.
Whereas, the Congress is targeting PM Modi on demonetization and the CM over issues like deteriorating law and order conditions and lack of compensation to farmers, to win the seat.
Seeing the current proceedings, it’s clear that winning the Dholpur bypoll on April 9 is important for bigger parties, but their choice of candidates leaves a lot of important questions unanswered. Is our democracy really thriving? Will caste be the microcosm of the parties’ choice? Who will win, BJP’s ‘face of development’ or Congress’s ‘baseless accusations’? Only time will tell…
Jai jai congress jai jai sachin paikar