### Political Power Struggle Ahead
In Rajasthan, intense competition is underway for the by-elections across seven assembly seats, with major players including the ruling BJP, the Congress-led opposition, and various regional parties. Although these by-elections won't impact the overall stability of the government, the results will significantly influence the political stature of the parties and leaders involved. Currently, BJP holds only one of these seven seats, Salumber, while Congress holds four. The remaining two seats are controlled by the RLP and the BAP. Consequently, while BJP has little to lose, the stakes are high for Congress and its leaders, as the results may determine their political standing.
### Festive Break in Campaigning
With Diwali festivities beginning Tuesday, party leaders are expected to spend time in community engagements, pausing the campaign trail momentarily. Following the celebrations, leaders from all parties are set to resume their fieldwork and gear up for a vigorous campaigning phase.
### High Stakes for Key Congress Leaders
According to political sources, the selection of Congress candidates this time has largely been influenced by Sachin Pilot and local MPs, with significant input from opposition leader Tikaram Juli, former Alwar MP Bhanwar Jitendra Singh, and state Congress president Govind Singh Dotasra. These choices have increased the stakes for these Congress leaders, as their political influence and stature might be defined by the election results. Interestingly, former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has shown limited interest in ticket distribution, leaving him primarily focused on campaign support.
### Direct and Triangular Battles Emerging
While the final candidate list will be confirmed by October 30, the last date for withdrawals, a clear contest is already shaping up. Four seats will see direct battles between BJP and Congress, while three constituencies are likely to witness triangular contests involving regional parties. Both BJP and Congress have committed extensive resources to these by-elections, with Congress aiming to retain its four seats, while BJP seeks a comeback after losing eleven seats in the last general election. Leading the BJP’s campaign are Chief Minister Bhajan Lal, state BJP leaders, and Union Ministers Bhupendra Yadav and Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, along with other MPs and ministers in a meticulously coordinated campaign.
### Leaders’ Careers on the Line
While the by-elections may not impact the BJP significantly, the results will affect key leaders, including Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and state BJP president Madan Rathore. For Congress, outcomes in Jhunjhunu, Deoli-Uniara, and Dausa constituencies are directly tied to Sachin Pilot’s reputation, as candidates for these seats were recommended by him. The Ramgarh seat holds importance for Tikaram Juli and Bhanwar Jitendra Singh, and the results across all seats will shape Govind Singh Dotasra’s political career as PCC Chief, impacting his influence within the party. The Khimsar seat, too, is closely tied to Dotasra's reputation, given his involvement in key decisions, including the rejection of an alliance with RLP.
### November 23rd: The Decisive Day
The by-election results on November 23 will determine which party and which leaders emerge stronger in Rajasthan’s political arena. It remains to be seen which party offices will celebrate in a Diwali-like glow and which will face the darkness of defeat.