Members of the royal family, as well as, saints are trying their luck in the Rajasthan elections. BJP has given tickets to most of them. Congress has given very few tickets to such candidates. Now only 72 hours are left for the election campaign to end. As of now, all the members of the royal family contesting the elections are strong enough to win. But, the position of saffron-clad saints and seers is relatively weaker.
Most of the members associated with the royal family always tried their luck with the BJP. Two-time CM Vasundhara Raje Scindia comes from the Dholpur royal family. This time she is again contesting from her traditional seat Jhalrapatan. Be it Lok Sabha elections or assembly elections since 2003, she has never lost from here. This time also her victory seems certain.
Although BJP has not declared Raje as the CM face this time, BJP does not see any challenge in her area. After this, the second popular leader was Diya Kumari, who suddenly came into the limelight after ticket distribution. Diya Kumari, daughter of former Maharaja of Jaipur Bhawani Singh, became quite famous after BJP gave her a ticket from Vidhadhar Nagar. Rajsamand MP Diya’s candidature was suddenly announced for the safest seat, though she can win any seat in Jaipur. Experts say that if BJP fielded her from Civil Line, it would be sealing victory on three seats.
First, Diya herself would have won her seat, second, Narpat Singh Rajvi would win from Vidhadhar Nagar, and third, Chandrabhan Singh would win from Chittorgarh. However, victory in two seats is uncertain after Diya was made a candidate from Vidyadhar Nagar.
Siddhi Kumari’s victory is certain
At the same time, Siddhi Kumari, granddaughter of former Maharaja Karni Singh, who has been winning the assembly elections for three consecutive times, is in the fray from Bikaner East. Siddhi of the Bikaner royal family does not seem to be facing any challenge this time either. She has been active in politics there for a long time and actively participates in various social programs, due to which she is very popular in the area.
Vishwaraj’s path is not easy
Vishwaraj Singh, who recently joined the BJP, came into the limelight when his name was announced as the party candidate against Rajasthan Assembly Speaker CP Joshi. Vishwaraj, a member of the former royal family of Mewar, is trying his luck in politics for the first time. His competition is with Congress veteran CP Joshi. Joshi won the elections from Nathdwara last time and is also quite popular. The way ahead is not very easy for Vishwaraj in this seat. But, he is giving a tough challenge to Joshi.
Kalpana-Vishvendra Singh’s position is also Kalpana Devi, a member of the former royal family of Kota, faces no challenge in Ladpura, as she is the sitting MLA from this seat. The Congress candidate is not able to challenge her. Bharatpur royal family member Vishvendra Singh is contesting from Deeg-Kumher for the fourth time on a Congress ticket. He is the only member of the royal family associated with the Congress party. He is currently a cabinet minister and always remains in the news for his controversial statements. At present his condition is said to be very strong.
BJP’s saints face a tough challenge
This time BJP has fielded five saints. Among these, one saint Baba Balaknath is in the fray from Tijara seat. His supporters are comparing him with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. He is said to be a strong contender for the CM post. These candidates are playing the Hindutva card to win the polls.
They have also organised a meeting with the Chief Minister of UP. However, they are stuck in a multi-cornered contest. Imran Khan of Congress is giving a tough fight to Baba Balaknath in the Tijara seat.
Similarly, from the Hawa Mahal seat of Jaipur, the BJP has fielded Balmukund Acharya on the recommendation of Vishwa Hindu Parishad, but things don’t seem to be working out. Congress’s RR Tiwari seems to be giving him a tough fight.
The election of Sirohi is also interesting. Here, the BJP has fielded Saint Otaram Dewasi belonging to the Rebari community. He has won elections earlier also. From the Congress side, Sanyam Lodha, who is considered close to CM Ashok Gehlot, is contesting the elections. Last time, Lodha contested the elections as an independent and won the polls as well. This seat is locked in a keen contest.
BJP has placed its bet on Mahant Pratap Puri from Pokaran, whereas Congress has given a ticket to religious guru Saleh Mohammed. This time BJP seems to have the upper hand here.