The Indian state of Rajasthan is witnessing protests and internal strife within the Congress party following the release of the fourth and fifth lists of candidates for the upcoming Assembly elections. As the Congress aims to secure a second consecutive term in the state, discontent among party workers and leaders is causing significant headaches for both the central leadership and Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot.
The protests primarily revolve around Congress workers’ dissatisfaction with the allocation of election tickets to certain candidates, reflecting the challenges of reconciling various factions within the party.
Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot acknowledged the difficulty of keeping everyone satisfied with ticket distribution but hinted that those who were denied tickets might find a place in various boards. The Congress has so far announced candidates for 156 of the 200 Assembly seats.
Three notable figures at the center of the controversy are ministers Shanti Dhariwal and Mahesh Joshi, along with party leader Dharmendra Rathore. Last year, they received show-cause notices from the central leadership due to their alleged rebellion ahead of the party’s presidential elections.
Shanti Dhariwal, closely associated with Chief Minister Gehlot, was a key figure in the rebellion, as approximately 72 MLAs close to him submitted their resignations in opposition to Sachin Pilot’s potential appointment as chief minister, citing his 2020 rebellion against the government.
Protests have emerged over the ticket allocation to Mahesh Joshi, the sitting MLA for the Hawamahal constituency, despite the candidate not being officially declared yet. Given Joshi’s notice over rebellion and his son facing a rape charge, speculations suggest that the ticket may be offered to RR Tiwari, the party’s Jaipur unit president.
While there’s a likelihood of Shanti Dhariwal receiving a ticket to avoid antagonizing Chief Minister Gehlot, it remains uncertain whether Dharmendra Rathore will be allowed to contest.
The infighting within the Congress party has intensified following the announcement of candidates for contested seats. Political strategist Amitabh Tiwari highlighted the structural issues the Congress faces in Rajasthan, as it has never won 54 seats in the last three elections and must secure 101 out of 146 seats to form a government.
The ongoing shadow of the Sachin Pilot-Ashok Gehlot feud adds another layer of complexity to the Congress’s electoral strategy. Chief Minister Gehlot’s political influence and ability to secure the support of 12 independent candidates in 2018 have worked in the party’s favor. Sachin Pilot has indicated his desire to decide on the chief minister’s position if the Congress secures victory, suggesting that he has received assurances.
In contrast, the BJP finds it relatively easier to replace sitting MLAs and cabinet members due to its cadre-based nature and ideological alignment.
Responding to the protests, the Congress stressed that ticket allocation is based on a thorough process involving surveys and consultations, emphasizing that it is natural for some individuals to be disappointed. Despite the internal challenges, the party remains confident in its winning prospects as it prepares for the upcoming elections.
As the protests continue to disrupt the political landscape in Rajasthan, the Congress will need to navigate these internal divisions to maintain its bid for a second consecutive term in the state.
Sources By Agencies
