The first phase of voting concluded for 12 Lok Sabha seats on Friday. Apart from these, voting also took place on the seats of two Union Ministers Arjunram Meghwal and Bhupendra Yadav. The result will be declared on June 4.
Despite the extensive rallies and massive propaganda by prominent leaders, election day appeared subdued, with minimal enthusiasm from voters. The fervor witnessed in 2014 and 2019 was notably absent. Whatever the outcome, it is evident that this time around, there is no discernible wave akin to that of 2014 or 2019. Nevertheless, the discussions about the Ram temple in Ayodhya were prevalent. Meanwhile, voters sealed the fate of a total of 114 candidates, including senior leaders of the Indian alliance including BJP-Congress, in EVMs.
On June 4th, the electoral fate of the candidates will be determined by the outcome recorded in these EVMs. The BJP is poised to secure a third consecutive victory in the state, while the Congress remains optimistic about making an electoral breakthrough.
In the constituencies where voting occurred in the initial phase, the political stature of seasoned leaders is in question. Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma’s influence extends to all 25 seats, with Bharatpur being his hometown. Consequently, all eyes will be on this constituency on result day to gauge the outcome. Following the voting process, Chief Minister Sharma expressed optimism about the BJP securing victory on all 25 seats in 2024. Additionally, Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal is contesting against Congress’s Govindram Meghwal in the Bikaner constituency. Meanwhile, Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav faces Congress’s Lalit Yadav in the Alwar constituency. Arjunram is vying for electoral success for the fourth time in Bikaner. However, the Congress candidate seems to enjoy greater popularity.
On the other hand, Bhupendra Yadav, who is trying his luck for the first time in Alwar, used to contest elections till now. Be it Rajasthan or Bihar, he was counted among the key strategists in contesting elections in both the states. For the first time, he is contesting elections on the orders of the party. In such a situation, it is a different matter between contesting elections yourself and getting them fought. Due to this he has put in a lot of strength. His reputation is at stake on this seat. Lalit Yadav, the young face of Congress, also put his full strength into the campaign. Alwar also became a hot seat in a way.
Different claims are being made after the voting, but the real address will be known only on the day of the results. But for Bhupendra Yadav, victory is important for him. If he loses, he will suffer a major setback politically.
The upcoming elections not only put the reputation of the candidates at stake but also test the BJP’s ability to secure a hat-trick victory in Rajasthan. This time, Murarilal Meena from the Congress and Kanhaiyalal Meena from the BJP are contesting from this seat, once dominated by Kirori Lal Meena. Since his defeat in 2014, the dynamics have shifted, making this seat a matter of prestige for Kirori, a former minister in the Bhajanlal government. The outcome of this election could significantly impact his political career.
Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit, efforts to ensure victory for the BJP candidate were intensified, the effectiveness of which will be revealed on election day.
Along with this, everyone’s eyes will also be on Churu, Sikar, Nagaur and Jhunjhunu. These are all the seats from which Congress has some hopes. BJP is internally worried about these seats. In these Jat dominated seats, BJP rebel Rahul Kaswan from Churu is contesting from Congress this time while BJP has given ticket to Devendra Jhajharia. In Nagaur, the entire political career of RLP chief Hanuman Beniwal is at stake. He is contesting against BJP’s Jyoti Mirdha. Last time Beniwal fought in alliance with BJP. Due to this he won the election in Modi wave. This time we are standing in alliance with Congress.
However, his real test is this time only. In the assembly elections, he had won the elections with great difficulty from his own party. Along with this, Congress has also given the seat of Sikar to Amra Ram of CPI(M), a constituent of Indi alliance. Here his contest with Sumedhanand of BJP has been interesting. Whereas in Jhunjhunu, this election is also very important for former Union Minister Brijendra Ola, because his father Shishram Ola had won many elections on this seat. However, after his death since 2014, no one from his family has won the election. This time Brijendra Ola himself is trying his luck on this seat.
According to the caste equation, Ola should get the advantage, but BJP’s Shubhakaran Chaudhary has also given a strong fight. Now voting on the remaining 13 seats will be held on April 26.
