The election in Rajasthan this time has become significant in many ways. The victory or defeat here is very important for both parties. The reason is clear that the BJP is not at all in favour of the issues on which Congress has fought the elections. These include OPS, cheap gas cylinders, and free treatment up to Rs 25 lakh, issues on which the BJP did not explicitly express their views in the Rajasthan elections. The central government has already opposed the OPS. It is being speculated that if the BJP comes to power, all these schemes may be discontinued. If Congress wins on the strength of these schemes, it will give strength to the I.N.D.I.A Alliance in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Meanwhile, it will be a tough challenge for the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot’s Old Pension Scheme, Chiranjeevi scheme, and the decision to provide a gas cylinder at Rs 500 are decisions that have a nationwide impact and spark discourse. The issue of the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) is gaining momentum and becoming a national movement, with even BJP-ruled states feeling the pressure. The election in Rajasthan is also considered a public mandate for these schemes.
The biggest discussion after voting is that if the government employees and their relatives who are taking benefits have voted unilaterally for the government, then Congress will get a big benefit. The second most important thing is that the high turnout of female voters is seen as a positive sign for Congress. As compared to the last assembly elections, this time, about 19 lakh more women have cast their votes. Chief Minister Gehlot, along with giving free mobiles to women, is also seen extending the scope of giving a gas cylinder at Rs 500 in rural areas and connecting the promise of giving ten thousand to every housewife.
Although the results will come on December 3, the surveys are being conducted. One survey is also that the youth vote will go to the BJP, which is considered to be in close competition. But the biggest question is whether the public voted for the schemes or did they vote against the schemes, due to emotions, polarization and caste politics. It is speculated that if the public voted against the schemes, then the governments ahead would not be interested in making public interest decisions, which would harm the public itself.
The outcome of the Rajasthan election holds significant importance for the BJP, as a win in this state would greatly impact the party’s political standing at both the national and state levels. A victory here could potentially shape the political landscape across the country, making this election a crucial one for the BJP. From this, it will be assumed that the public has approved the public welfare schemes and OPS of the Gehlot government. Certainly, the opposition will be united regarding OPS and all the schemes. As OPS started being given in Himachal, Punjab, Karnataka and opposition states. Voices have started being raised in other states also. BJP is neither in favour of OPS nor of giving cylinders at Rs 500. BJP promised to provide cheap cylinders in Rajasthan but is not providing them in other states. Similarly, under Chiranjeevi ojana, in which free treatment insurance of Rs 25 lakh is currently being given, Congress has promised to increase it to Rs 50 lakh.
If Congress wins, it will provide issues to the opposition to corner the BJP. Under the leadership of Congress, the India Alliance will become stronger. The biggest thing is that if the government employees unite on OPS across the country against the politics of polarization, then Congress will get strength, and the 2024 general elections will become interesting. Therefore, the BJP has adopted polarization and all kinds of strategies to win Rajasthan.
