The Rajasthan BJP has finalized the names of 39 candidates and is close to finalizing the rest of the list. The first list is expected to be released after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Jodhpur on October 5. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has confirmed that the BJP’s list is ready and there will be good news soon.
One of the big questions is who will fight Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot in Jodhpur. The BJP is not willing to give Gehlot a walkover in his constituency of Sardarpura, where he has comfortably won the last four elections. The BJP plans to field Gajendra Singh Shekhawat against Gehlot in Sardarpura. Shekhawat, who is the MP from Jodhpur, defeated Gehlot’s son Vaibhav Gehlot in the last national election.
In addition to Shekhawat, the BJP is reportedly considering making MPs fight MLA elections on tough seats. There are discussions about whether Vasundhara Raje, a strong candidate, should take on Gehlot directly. Raje’s presence could benefit the BJP and help them secure a challenging seat in Rajasthan.
The BJP’s strategy appears to be using MPs and other strong candidates to challenge key Congress leaders and disrupt their political stronghold. Rajsamand MP Diya Kumari may also be asked to take on Rajasthan Speaker CP Joshi in the Nathdwara seat.
Making MPs fight MLA elections is expected to lead to significant political upheaval in Rajasthan. If MPs win MLA elections, there will be multiple contenders for the Chief Minister’s post. However, in his rally in Chittorgarh, Prime Minister Modi made it clear that the only face for the BJP is the lotus (the party’s election symbol) and that the party as a whole is fighting the election.
The BJP’s focus on putting the party first also serves the strategic purpose of reducing the influence of regional leaders like Raje and Shivraj Singh Chauhan. The party has the option of grooming a new line of young and fresh leaders at the central level, not just for 2024, but also for 2029.
Meanwhile, the Congress is working on finalizing its ticket list. Thirty names have been finalized, but according to reports, many of them may not get tickets due to anti-incumbency sentiments. Surveys conducted by the Congress have indicated that while Gehlot remains a popular leader, there is dissatisfaction among voters towards MLAs and ministers.
Think tanks associated with the Congress have suggested that at least 90 seats in the Congress should be changed. However, it is unclear whether the party will accept this recommendation. The Congress is expected to release its list after the BJP announces its candidates.