Congress and BJP Navigate Challenges in Candidate Selection for Rajasthan Lok Sabha Elections

New Delhi, March 29, 2024: With the commencement of nominations for the second phase of Lok Sabha elections in Rajasthan, both the BJP and Congress find themselves grappling with finalizing their candidate lists for select constituencies. Notably, the spotlight is on Bhilwara and Rajsamand, where the BJP has yet to name a candidate for Bhilwara, and a crisis looms over the Congress nominee in Rajsamand. This marks a departure from the norm, as Congress refrains from fielding any Brahmin or Muslim candidates, while BJP opts not to nominate any Jain candidates for the first time.

The delay in announcing a candidate for the Bhilwara seat by the BJP is particularly significant, given that the incumbent MP, Subhash Chand Bahedia, hails from the Jain community. Conversely, Congress is contemplating a revision of its candidate for the Bhilwara seat. Discussions at the Congress War Room in Jaipur suggest considerations for a Brahmin candidate from Ajmer or Bhilwara and a female candidate from Rajsamand.

Meanwhile, BJP is deliberating on nominating a seasoned Gurjar leader from Bhilwara, reflecting its efforts to address the Gurjar community's demand for greater representation. Although the nomination process for the second phase of Lok Sabha elections has commenced, the Bhilwara seat remains vacant pending an official announcement.

Simultaneously, Congress is reassessing its approach for various seats, including Rajsamand, where the declared candidate, Sudarshan Singh Rawat, has declined to contest. Talks are underway for potential changes in Ajmer, with considerations for former minister and MP Raghu Sharma's nomination for the seat and former Assembly Speaker CP Joshi's nomination for Bhilwara. Congress is expected to announce decisions regarding these seats, subject to approval from Delhi.

In other updates, nominations for the second phase of Lok Sabha elections have been issued for 13 constituencies in Rajasthan, with candidates having until April 4 to file their nominations. Voting is scheduled for April 26.

These recent developments underscore the evolving strategies of both Congress and BJP in Rajasthan's political landscape. With Congress refraining from nominating Brahmin and Muslim candidates and BJP deviating from its traditional support base among Jains, the upcoming elections promise to test the social engineering prowess of both parties.